ANN ARBOR AND EAST LANSING Blog

How To Tell If Your Attic Does Not Have Enough Insulation?

Insulation is an essential element in regulating the temperature inside a house. In the winter, it keeps heat from escaping, while in the summer, it stops heat from entering. Maintaining a constant temperature indoors also assists in the process of lowering monthly energy expenditures. The insulation in your attic, in particular, is one of the essential factors in determining how well your home insulates. On the other hand, if the insulation in your attic needs to be increased, you can run into a few problems. The following are warning indications that your attic may not have sufficient insulation.

Costly Monthly Utility Bills

A high energy bill is one of the most evident symptoms of inadequate insulation in a building. Heat is likely escaping from your home through the attic if you have noticed that your utility bills are much higher than they were in the past. During the colder months, insulation makes maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature more manageable, putting less strain on your heating system. If your home lacks proper insulation, your heating system will have to work harder, which will result in higher energy bills.

Temperature Variability

Temperature disparities throughout the rest of your house indicate that your attic insulation needs to be improved. It is possible that the heat in your home is being lost through the attic, causing certain sections to be significantly colder than others. This occurs when your home has insufficient insulation, which permits warm air to escape via the attic and creates cold spots throughout the house.

Ice Barriers

The heat loss through the attic is the root cause of the widespread issue known as ice damming, which occurs throughout the winter months. The heat that escapes causes the snow on the roof to melt, refreezing at the eaves and forming a dam when it reaches the eaves. Because of this barrier, water cannot drain off the top, which results in leaks and damage to the ceiling. If you have ice dams accumulating on your roof, likely, the insulation in your attic needs to be improved.

Drafts

The presence of drafts indicates that air is coming into your home from the outside. Insufficient insulation in your attic may be the culprit if you've noticed a draft in your home. Insulation has a role in helping to seal your home, preventing air from either entering or leaving the structure. Currents can form in your home if the insulation is not up to par, which allows outside air to enter.

Visible Insulation

If you can see the insulation in your attic, there is likely insufficient of it. When insulation is installed, it should be done so that the naked eye cannot see it. It indicates adequate insulation or that it needs to be put correctly if it can be seen through.

Pests

The lack of appropriate insulation in your attic is the root of your bug problems. Attic spaces that are even slightly damaged might serve as entryways for unwanted guests. Inadequate insulation can result in gaps and holes in your home's structure, which insects and other vermin may use to gain access.

Mold and mildew are present.

Mold and mildew are symptoms that indicate there is an excessive amount of moisture present in your home. The accumulation of water throughout your home may result from insufficient insulation in the attic. Because of the presence of this moisture, the conditions may be ideal for the growth of mold and mildew.

In conclusion, if you see any of the indicators discussed above, the insulation in your attic needs to be improved. If this is the case, it is essential to have a qualified individual examine the insulation in your attic. A trained expert will be able to tell you whether the amount of insulation you currently have is sufficient or whether you require additional insulation. In addition to lowering your energy bills, improving the overall comfort of your home, and protecting your roof from damage, installing insulation can be a straightforward and economical approach to accomplish all of these goals.