Everyone loves coming home to a warm, cozy room as the weather turns cold and gloomy. Proper insulation is the key to maintaining a comfortable home, even when the wind howls and the snow swirls outside.
But insulation does not last forever. Over time, the insulation in your home can wear out and become less effective. When this happens, it is important to get the insulation replaced by professionals.
If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to contact insulation contractors in Loveland, CO.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Getting your home insulated means getting a comfortable temperature throughout. Therefore, uneven temperatures are one of the most obvious signs of insulation going bad.
Some rooms may feel chilly, while others are noticeably warmer. This usually happens when the insulation has deteriorated or was not properly installed.
Check for cold drafts near doors and windows. There may also be a cold draft coming from the attic. If you use a thermometer and notice several degrees’ difference between rooms (downstairs), you should replace your home’s insulation.
Allergy Symptoms
Sometimes, allergies are just allergies. However, allergy symptoms that do not get better or go away might be attributed to inadequate insulation.
Some types of insulation, like fiberglass, absorb water. When a house roof starts to leak, the integrity of this insulation can be compromised. Humidity and melted snow can also compromise basement insulation.
If insulation stays wet, it can lead to mold, contaminating the air inside a house. Mold can worsen allergy symptoms. Even worse, certain types of insulation tend to ‘hoard’ dust. Dust in your home can affect the air quality, worsening allergy symptoms.
If you or your family members experience worsening allergies, you should upgrade your insulation and air-seal it to prevent air leaks.
Increasing Energy Bills
If your energy bills are going up and you have not changed your energy usage habits, it could also mean your home’s insulation is failing. The best thing to do is compare your bills from the same month over a couple of years.
If there is a clear upward trend, it means your home is not retaining heat as efficiently as it should. This is causing an increase in energy consumption to keep indoor temperatures level.
Pest Infestation
According to a U.S. census, over 14 million households reported seeing rodents indoors. This means over 4% of U.S. homes have a rat or pest problem. Rodents can eat through anything, including attics, crawl spaces, and insulation.
They use the insulation to make nests to stay in during the different seasons. In addition to rodents destroying insulation, they leave urine and droppings behind. This affects the air quality inside a home.
You most likely have a rodent infestation if you find droppings in the attic or your home’s crawl space. This can only be cleared by cleaning, sanitizing, and replacing insulation.
Damage Done During Maintenance
If you have recently had maintenance done in your home, especially the attic, the maintenance team may have damaged the insulation. You may notice water stains or crushed insulation.
Wet spots mean moisture has already infiltrated the insulation, and mold is probably already growing. If this problem is not fixed, it can eventually affect the wood and drywall. If a lot of the insulation is damaged, there is no use in only replacing a section of it.
The best solution is to replace the entire attic’s insulation completely.
Ice Dams
When cold outside and ice dams form, it can also be a clear sign of insulation problems. Ice dams happen when heat escapes through your house’s roof, melting the snow and ice. The melted water freezes at the eaves, preventing it from draining off the roof.
Water backs up behind the dam and can eventually leak into your home. If your insulation is inferior or worn out, the water will cause damage to walls and ceilings.
Why Replacing Insulation Matters
When you replace your deteriorating insulation, you give your home extra protection all year round and during all seasons. This means your home will be cozy in winter and cool in summer without overworking your HVAC system.
At the same time, you also protect your home’s structure from moisture damage, which can cause structural issues in the long run.
Finally, proper insulation adds value to your home. If you want to sell in the future, this will be one of the main selling points.
Upgrading or replacing insulation may seem like a big and expensive project. But, the benefits of adequate insulation outweigh these perceived negatives.
All you need to do is ensure that you contact a professional insulation contractor to get the job done right. This way, you will ensure long-term efficiency and comfort for your Loveland home.