GRAND RAPIDS Blog

3 Signs Your Attic Needs New Insulation | Koala Insulation of GR

A well-insulated attic keeps warm air in your living areas, reduces your energy expenses, and can even prevent roof damage. Unfortunately, many American homes don’t have enough insulation, and it can be challenging to tell if yours is sufficient. Below are a few signs that new attic insulation may be a good investment.

How to Tell if You Need New Attic Insulation

1. Ice Dams on the Roof

Snow melting on the roof usually means warm air from the living areas is escaping into the attic. Not only does this waste energy, but it also results in the snow on the top of the roof melting and then refreezing on the edges. This phenomenon is referred to as ice dams. It puts stress on your eaves. New snowmelt also tends to back up behind these barriers, causing water damage. If your roof doesn’t have a uniform blanket of snow in the winter, you may want to have a professional check your attic insulation.

2. Uneven Temperatures

If your home is well-insulated and you have a reasonably modern heating system, temperatures shouldn’t vary much from room to room. A wide range of issues can cause temperature fluctuations, including drafty windows and problems with the ducts. However, inadequate insulation is one of the most common culprits as it causes warm air to flow upward and push cold air down into your living spaces.

3. Cold Walls & Ceilings

Simply touching your walls and ceilings can give you important clues about the quality of your insulation. Ideally, they should feel warm and dry. However, if cold air is seeping in through the attic, the ceilings and upper walls might be chilly to the touch.

Conversely, the underside of your roof should feel cold. If it’s warm or damp, heated air from your furnace is likely leaking into the attic. This can cause potentially dangerous ice dams, so have a professional inspect the attic as soon as possible.

A trusted insulation contractor, Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids has been keeping homes throughout West Michigan comfortable for years. Their experts offer some of the most advanced products on the market and they have the expertise to ensure your home is protected throughout the year. Visit their website to learn more about attic insulation, get updates and tips on Facebook, or call (616) 333-6667 to schedule an estimate today.