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.