SIGNS YOU MAY NEED AN ATTIC INSULATION UPGRADE
Good attic insulation helps to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills under control. It’s hard to know if you have sufficient attic insulation without conducting a proper attic inspection. But the following are some signs you may need an attic insulation upgrade.
THE AGE OF YOUR HOME
The age of your home can offer up some clues about your attic insulation. Newer homes are better insulated than older homes. Over the years we have learned more about energy-efficient living. But even homes built a decade ago may not be insulated to current efficiency standards and local building codes. Some older homes have been previously upgraded, while others have not. If you have an older home, it is a good idea to check.
Click here to find out EPA insulation recommendations for your area.
HIGH ENERGY BILLS
Unusually high energy bills can be a red flag and may indicate an insulation problem. Annual increases in heating and cooling costs are expected, but dramatic hikes may indicate the need to upgrade your attic insulation.
ROOMS THAT HEAT OR COOL SLOWLY
Poor attic insulation can occur in random patterns. If you notice certain rooms that cool slowly in summer or heat slower than other rooms in winter, the insulation above those rooms may be disturbed, damaged, or misplaced by activity in the attic. Attic insulation that is damp from moisture-related issues won’t perform the same as dry insulation and can lead to uneven heating and cooling.
RAPID SNOWMELT ON YOUR ROOF IN WINTER
Icicles and Ice Dams are signs of trouble. In winter, though it may seem counter-intuitive, your attic should be kept as close to outdoor temperatures as possible to avoid heat build-up in the attic. When your attic is warm in winter, snow on the roof can melt too rapidly. The rapid snowmelt then freezes in your gutter causing a dam that blocks water flow. Ice dams force water and ice under shingles and damage your roof structure.
Heat buildup in your attic in winter is due to heat rising, from the living space into the attic, through gaps and cracks. It can also be due to inadequate attic insulation. Poor attic insulation leads to running your heating system more often to keep rooms warm. This excess burden adds wear and tear to your heater, and your heating bill will go up. Click here to learn more about ice dams.
ATTIC MOISTURE & WET INSULATION
Moisture in your attic can damage attic insulation. If insulation becomes moist, damp, or wet it cannot properly insulate living spaces. It must be replaced. Wet insulation is often due to moisture condensation, a roof leak, or a bathroom or dryer exhaust venting directly into the attic rather than outside the home.
Moisture can also lead to mold and mildew problems. Properly sealed gaps and good insulation coupled with proper attic ventilation can protect your insulation from moisture damage.
ATTIC INSULATION – AN AFFORDABLE UPGRADE THAT QUICKLY PAYS FOR ITSELF
Upgrading your attic insulation can pay for itself in one or two seasons, depending on your current level of insulation and the size of your attic. Attic insulation was rated by Remodel Magazine as one of the best home improvements with a high return on investment compared to dozens of other home upgrades. And according to the EPA, proper attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 40 percent.
UPGRADE YOUR ATTIC INSULATION – IT’S HASSLE-FREE & FAST!
Don’t put off attic insulation because you think it is a huge hassle or a big project. With blown-in attic insulation, we can upgrade your attic insulation within hours. Our crews are highly trained and we utilize the very latest insulation tool and techniques to ensure you get the best results with minimal disruption to your home or life.
NOT SURE HOW MUCH INSULATION YOU HAVE?
Call us at 630.830.3870 and schedule your free onsite attic insulation assessment.