Common Signs of Insulation Problems and What You Should Do
Proper insulation does more than keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A well-insulated house costs less to maintain and is better for your health as well. If you have bought an old home or have not checked your insulation for several years, you may be experiencing inefficient insulation. Here are some common signs of insulation issues and how you can update your insulation to last for the next few decades.
Signs Of An Insulation Issue
Expensive Energy Bills
If your energy bills have been rising steadily without a change in your consumption, it is typically a sign that your home temperature maintenance system is troubled. One reason could be that your heating or cooling system may need maintenance. Another is that your insulation is not working well. When your insulation is inadequate, your air conditioning system has to work extra hard to compensate. This results in a larger consumption of electricity and expensive energy bills.
Inconsistent Temperatures
When your insulation is faulty, it can be difficult to keep the interior temperature of your home steady. It could feel like one room is always colder than the others or you could find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat to keep up with the outside temperature. If there are inconsistent temperatures in your home, chances are that there is a problem with your attic insulation. Another sure sign of a gap or a shift in your insulation is when you can feel a draft flowing through your home.
Indoor Condensation
When your home is poorly insulated, moisture can settle indoors. You may find wet spots on your ceiling or puddles around your home. Condensation may form on the interior windows or your bedding may feel clammy. Your clothes and carpets may take on a musty odor that is hard to get rid of. If you have a particular wall or area on the ceiling that is consistently colder and damper than the other parts of the house, there may be an insulation issue behind it.
Mold Spots
Damp and humid rooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Black, grey, or green spots on your interior surfaces are a definite indication of a mold issue. Mold can irritate your eyes and lead to respiratory issues such as coughs or shortness of breath. In severe instances, toxic mold inhalation can be fatal. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold colonies can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to dampness. Therefore, insulation problems that lead to wetness and condensation must be addressed immediately.
Unwanted Visitors
Have you noticed insect droppings or animal odors in the attic? Unwanted guests such as birds, mice, opossums, bats, or cockroaches living in your loft are a clear sign that you have gaps in your roof and insulation. In houses with old-fashioned wool insulation, you may find some animals using the insulation as a nest. They may also chew or rip up the insulation to create bedding. In such cases, it is best to replace your insulation entirely as animal feces and residue can contain harmful bacteria.
Ice Dams
Ice dams may seem pretty but they are a warning sign of poor insulation. Ice dams form when heated indoor air leaks out through cracks in the insulation to create warm spots on the roof. The heat melts snow on the roof which runs down to the cold eaves or gutters and refreezes into ice. Ice dams are a danger to passing pedestrians and their weight may damage your eaves. A build-up of ice can also form under roof shingles, allowing water to penetrate the roofing and seep into the ceiling.
Why Choose Blown-In Insulation?
Blown-in insulation is a method of insulation that utilizes insulation blowers or blowing machines to install insulating materials such as cellulose and fiberglass. These materials are blown into the cavities of existing walls, filling in gaps and creating a complete layer of insulation. This non-invasive method of installation allows your drywalls to stay intact and saves you both time and money.
Certified insulation specialists can install blown-in insulation in areas that are hard to access such as crawlspaces. Blown-in insulation can also be used to fill in small spaces surrounding piping or wiring. By filling all the nooks and crannies in your attic with insulation, you can create a seal that keeps your home protected from external elements.
Blown in fibreglass is made from 20-30% recycled glass, which is a more environmentally-friendly choice than spray foam insulation. As blown-in insulation is made from recycled materials, it is typically more affordable than spray form insulation.
In addition, fiberglass does not come with the health concerns associated with carcinogenic fibers nor the toxic chemicals that can be found in spray foam. Compared to spray foam, blown-in fiberglass does not shrink over time and it is estimated to last twenty years longer (up to a hundred years).
Proper insulation makes a huge difference to the comfort of your home and the quality of life experienced by your family. By investing in good insulation such as blown-in fiberglass, you can save on electricity bills, safeguard your health, and keep your property in prime condition. Be sure to have your insulation installed by a professional insulation specialist.
Ten Reasons Why You Must Visit the Maldives
The Maldives is a bucket list destination. With white sands, crystal clear seas, and idyllic tropical vibes, it is a postcard-perfect escape. The renowned Kandima resort is even considered most Instagrammable hotel in Maldives. Most people do not need any other reasons to travel to the Maldives, but just in case you do, here are ten reasons why the Maldives should feature in your upcoming vacation plans.
1. Perfect Weather
One of the best characteristics of the Maldives is its consistently warm and sunny days. The average temperature of the archipelago is a lovely 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). Days are full of bright sunshine and the nights are slightly cooler—perfect for enjoying a drink or dance on the beach. Although the Maldives does have a monsoon season, the short afternoon rains are a welcomed relief after a hot day.
2. Luxury Resorts
The resorts and level of service in the Maldives are a class above any others. Resorts like Kandima have villas right above the water so that guests can jump into the clear blue sea for a swim whenever they want. Even if you do not live over the water, you will be situated on a breathtaking white sand beach with access to luxury amenities such as swimming pools, spas, fitness facilities, and the most incredible Indian Ocean views.
3. Range of Watersports
Watersports are a must when you visit an island archipelago. Maldivian resorts have a range of watersports that are suitable for all members of the family. Adventurous travelers can try parasailing, water skiing, or jet skiing while others can opt for the more relaxing activities like kayaking and glass canoeing. Go sailing with your family or take a romantic sunset cruise. There are endless choices to fill your days.
4. Incredible Diving and Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are undoubtedly two of the most attractive watersports that you can enjoy in the Maldives. The tropical reefs of the island nation boast a healthy biodiversity of marine life. The Maldives has it all—from colorful coral to adorable ‘Nemo’ clownfish and manta rays to whale sharks. You do not have to be a certified diver to enjoy these sights. Kandima has a dedicated snorkeling platform and non-divers can try a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
5. Secluded Beaches
Forget the crowded beaches of Phuket or Cancun. In the Maldives, there are hundreds of secluded beaches and sandbars that you can call your own for the day. Most resorts have an island exclusively to themselves and you will only meet a few fellow guests instead of having to deal with touts and bystanders. Resorts are also more than happy to accommodate guests who would like to arrange a day trip to remote beaches or sandbars.
6. Absolute Privacy
Aside from quiet beaches, resorts in the Maldives are dedicated to maintaining the privacy of their guests. Whether you are a celebrity trying to be anonymous or a couple that just needs some quality time, a luxury Maldivian resort can be a perfect oasis. Kandima can arrange everything from exclusive seaplane transfers to private dining and honeymoon villas where it is just you, your companion, and the big blue ocean.
7. Luxury Spas
With resorts being of such high quality in the Maldives, their spa treatments are similarly luxurious. Kandima’s award-winning spa can help you to relax and escape your worldly concerns, and it’s beautiful as well — perfect for your next Instagram post. After a long day of playing under the sun, they can rejuvenate your mind and body. The resort spa even has treatments for your young ones. If you want that enviable post-holiday glow, be sure to spend some time in the spa. You may come back looking younger than before you left!
8. Gourmet Cuisine
Maldivian cuisine is an eclectic fusion of tastes with influences from its neighbors, India and Sri Lanka. Traditional Maldivian cuisine is known as Dhivehi cuisine. Fresh seafood is the main feature and dishes are usually slightly spicy with the sweet richness of coconut. If Maldivian food is not for you, not to worry. Kandima has numerous dining options from European to Asian cuisine and will be able to cater to your specific dietary requirements.
9. Interesting Culture
The Maldives has a vibrant island culture that is just as beautiful as its natural wonders. Its multi-faceted culture boasts influences from India, Arabia, Indonesia, and Africa. One aspect of Maldivian culture that you will experience is the Boduberu. The Boduberu is a Maldivian folk performance that has its roots in East Africa. This rhythmic drum, dance, and song performance is typically held in the evening right on the beach with resort guests invited to join in.
10. Local Markets
Fridays and Saturdays are market days in the Maldives. If you get a chance to visit Malé, be sure to take in the full local experience. You can rent a scooter and explore the corners of the city or walk around the bustling produce markets. Visitors who arrive early enough will get to see the fishermen landing their catch and get the best pick of fresh fruits. Do not forget to get your fair share of handcrafted souvenirs such as sarongs, coconut jewelry, or mini wooden dhonis.
The Maldives is a unique destination unlike any other place in the world. Where else does absolute luxury exist alongside pristine natural beauty? If you have not visited the Maldives yet, be sure to add it to your bucket list.