You feel like you’re just not as comfortable as you should be. Your utility bills are running higher than usual. Certain rooms in your house either feel like you’re entering a volcano or a frozen tundra. So, maybe you blame your HVAC system. Or, you look at your windows. Or, maybe utilities are just rising like everything else. Probably, the last thing you do is call an insulation contractor to check your attic insulation. But, you should.
Your attic insulation is an essential part of your home’s comfort level and energy efficiency. It helps keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer by preventing heat transfer through the roof—warm air escaping in the winter and hot air entering in the summer. Like other parts of your home, insulation eventually gets old and loses its effectiveness. We talked to our insulation contractors about how to know when it’s time to replace attic insulation.
How old is your attic insulation?
Insulation contractors can tell pretty quickly how old your attic insulation is, even if you’re not the original home owner who had it installed. Old insulation has tell-tale signs, such as settling, compression, damage from water leaks or a roof replacement, and even the type of attic insulation material. If your insulation is over 20 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Today’s insulation is far better thanks to advancements in material and installation techniques. More on that next.
What material is your attic insulation made of?
There are several types of insulation materials available, including fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. Each material has its own lifespan, insulating properties and maintenance requirements. Fiberglass insulation, which is the most common older material, can last up to 25 years, while cellulose insulation has a lifespan of around 20 years. Spray foam insulation can last up to 80 years, and it fills every space without settling or sagging.
How well did the previous insulation contractor do the job?
Like all contractors, there are good and bad attic insulation contractors. If your insulation was poorly installed or installed incorrectly, it may have settled or become damaged over time, leading to air leaks and gaps. It’s important to ensure that your insulation was installed correctly and that it’s still in good condition. If your insulation was installed poorly or if it’s damaged, it’s time for a replacement.
Did you recently get a new roof or have work done in the attic?
If you’ve had any roof or attic work done recently, contact an insulation contractor to inspect your insulation to double check that it wasn’t damaged or moved during the work. An attic insulation inspection involves looking for dips, compression and damage from dropped materials that impacts efficiency or creates gaps where air leaks get through.
5 Signs Your Attic Insulation Needs to be Replaced (That Don’t Take an Insulation Contractor to Tell You)
- High energy bills: you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been increasing. As your insulation loses its effectiveness, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
- Uneven temperature: you’ve noticed that some rooms in your home are warmer or cooler than others. Uneven temperatures can indicate that there are gaps or air leaks in your insulation, letting warm or cool air in or out, depending on the season.
- Drafts: you’ve felt drafts in your home. Drafts can indicate that there are gaps or air leaks in your insulation.
- Moisture or mold: you’ve noticed moisture or mold in your attic. Moisture or mold can indicate that there are air leaks or gaps in your insulation, allowing moisture to enter your home.
- Pests: you’ve noticed pests in your attic. Pests such as rodents, squirrels or insects can enter your home through gaps in your insulation.
Contact an A+ Insulation Contractor for a Free Evaluation
Replacing your attic insulation can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills and improving your home’s comfort. By knowing your attic insulation’s age, material, original installation quality, and any roof or attic work done that could affect it, you can keep your insulation in good condition and functioning the way it should.
Our licensed and knowledgeable insulation contractors can evaluate existing issues that need to be fixed and help you choose the right insulation – not to mention save you up to 30% on utility costs. Call us at (913) 281-2250 or visit insulatekansascity.com/contact to schedule a free, no obligation evaluation.