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Attics are often ignored for years at a time, but they play a major role in the upkeep of the house.
They ensure that the temperature of the home is comfortable, and they prevent damage. Attic insulation is critical for energy efficiency, saving you money and stress.
Whether you are buying a new home or simply maintaining your property, here’s why it is important that your attic be properly insulated.
If you have any questions, reach out to attics plus or an insulation company near you.
Energy Efficiency
Did you know that heating and cooling costs may account for up to 70% of your energy bill? Insulation lowers this cost by preserving the temperature you want indoors.
In the summer, it prevents the heat outside from penetrating your home, and in the winter, it keeps the warm air inside.
Preserving the temperature indoors means that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. The better the insulation, the better the home’s energy efficiency.
Preventing Damage to the Home
Attic insulation preserves the temperature of the home, which helps prevent the damages caused by heat and moisture.
In the winter, it helps prevent warm air from escaping through the ceiling and forming condensation in the attic.
Condensation is the formation of water droplets when warm and cold air collide. Over time, this condensation will damage your walls and cause mold, polluting the air you breathe and causing further damage to the home.
Proper insulation will also stop the roof from getting too warm. When too much heat escapes the roof, snow melts and forms ice dams along the roof’s edge.
Ice dams can break gutters and cause flooding. Shingles also risk swelling and cracking from too much heat, forming leakages.
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Indoor Air Quality
Proper attic cleaning Seattle and insulation prevents airborne pollutants from entering the home because there are no drafts.
Dust, dirt, allergens, and other pollutants are stopped at the surface of the attic’s insulation, allowing you to breathe better.
It also greatly improves the home’s soundproofing because it stops sound waves from reverberating in the attic.
When to Replace Your Attic’s Insulation
Depending on the type you have, insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years. There are several different kinds out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Modern, blown-in insulation lasts for about 20 years, but its R-value is very high, and it is environmentally friendly.
Fiberglass can work for several decades, but it settles over time, decreasing its ability to insulate properly.
If you’re experiencing any of the following indicators, contact a professional for an inspection.
Pest and wildlife removal
If you’ve had a squirrel or raccoon removed from the attic, you should replace the insulation.
Animals leave feces and urine in the insulation, which contaminates the air you breathe and causes mold. They also crush and move the insulation around, decreasing its effectiveness.
Issues with HVAC
Do you find yourself struggling to keep a consistent temperature in the house? Having trouble heating and cooling the house is a sign that the attic’s insulation is not working properly. An insulation expert or HVAC specialist can look into this for you.
Vermiculite or Asbestos Insulation
Many older homes were insulated with asbestos-containing vermiculite or asbestos itself, which is a known carcinogen.
Inhaling it may cause asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and fatal cancers such as mesothelioma. Insulating with asbestos is now illegal in most places.
Utility Bills are Too Expensive
If your utility bills seem to cost too much, your insulation may be ineffective. Improper insulation lets your winter heating escape and lets the hot air in during the summertime. This forces your HVAC system to work hard, increasing the cost of energy.
Insulation is Missing or Damaged
Insulation that is crusty, moldy, dirty, or wet should be replaced immediately. Some attics are poorly insulated, with some spots uncovered.
This should be fixed too even it out. If you have had your insulation removed, replace it right away.
