Keeping your home’s interior comfortable is critical, and insulation plays a major role. Insulation is also important for your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. Keeping your insulation in excellent condition means knowing how to identify an issue when it occurs. There are some signs to look for that will let you know it is time to call in an insulation professional for help.
Insufficient Insulation
Some homes do not have enough insulation. In some cases, this could be due to improper installation. However, if your insulation is older, there may not be enough due to it settling. Some older homes simply have minimal insulation since building codes and practices were different decades ago.
If your residence does not have enough insulation, you might notice that the temperature varies in different rooms of your home. You might also notice that you have to crank up your cooling or heating to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in increased energy bills.
Talk to an insulation professional. They will inspect your insulation and let you know if you need to replace what you have or add to it.
Mold and Mildew Problems
If water gets into your ceilings or walls, it can leave your insulation wet. Since it can take time for the moisture to dissipate, this can cause the growth of mold and mildew. When that happens, it can pose a health risk and reduce the performance of your insulation.
Leaks can cause moisture to reach your insulation. This could be due to a leaky pipe or a structural integrity issue with your roof or foundation. Condensation accumulating can also get your insulation wet. This is an issue that usually affects insulation in crawlspaces and attics.
There are usually some signs that indicate mold and mildew growth. If any of your insulation is visible, such as in your attic, basement, or crawlspace, you can see mold if it is present. You might also notice a musty odor when you are near your insulation. Water stains are another sign and can indicate a leak. You may notice these stains on your walls or ceilings.
To get rid of mildew and mold, you should have a professional remove any insulation that’s contaminated and replace it with fresh insulation. Before they put in the new insulation, they will ensure that the area is thoroughly dry to prevent mildew and mold from thriving again.
If there are leaks anywhere in your home, have a professional take care of these. They will also help you to replace any areas of insulation that have water stains. Ask them to also check your ventilation to make sure that it is adequate. Good ventilation will decrease humidity and condensation levels in your home.
Pest Problems
Insects and rodents like to make a home out of insulation. This can lead to contamination and damage to your insulation as well as to your walls and ceilings. Pests can find small gaps and cracks in the exterior of your home. Once they get in, they are usually in the walls right where your insulation is. This makes it easy for them to create a nest.
If you have a pest issue, you will usually notice some evidence such as chewed insulation, droppings, or nests. You might notice weird odors from their feces or urine. Strange noises are also possible. You will probably be aware of these more at night in your ceilings and walls.
If you think you have pests in your insulation, do not hesitate to call a pest professional. They will be able to quickly identify and eliminate them. After they do this, talk to an insulation professional about replacing the insulation that sustained damage as a result of the pests. You’ll also want to find the entry points that allowed pests access to your home so that you can properly seal them.
Compaction and Settling
Over time, gravity takes over, and your insulation can fall victim to compaction and settling. This is something that you usually see with loose-fill insulation. When this problem occurs, your insulation becomes less effective at regulating your home’s temperature.
The most common cause of this issue is gravity making it to settle over time. This is particularly true for fiberglass and cellulose loose-fill insulation. Foot traffic and heavy objects in certain areas of your home, such as your attic, can also cause this problem.
When this problem is happening, you will usually notice that your home is not as warm or cool as it normally is with your usual HVAC system settings. If you can see your insulation, you might also notice that it is uneven or that the upper parts of your walls have far less than the lower parts.
A professional will come and inspect your insulation to let you know the best course of action. In some cases, they can just add some more insulation to compensate for compaction and settling. They might also fluff your insulation to increase the density so that it is functional enough for your home. If your insulation is old or in poor condition, they might recommend that you replace it all to get the most benefit.
Improper Air Sealing
Good insulation and proper air sealing work together to keep your home’s temperature stable and comfortable. Have a professional come and inspect for cracks or gaps. They can also look at your insulation to see if there are voids.
You may notice your energy bills increasing due to improper air sealing. Another common sign is drafts throughout your home, such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
A professional will ensure proper installation of your insulation. They will also use products to address and seal any cracks. This may include weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant.
Insulation Deterioration
Insulation can deteriorate due to time or certain conditions. When this happens, it is not as effective as it once was. If your insulation is at least 10 to 15 years old, have a professional come out and inspect it. They will be able to tell if it is deteriorating and requires replenishment or replacement.
You also have to consider exposure to the elements. Issues like ultraviolet rays, moisture, and extreme temperatures can reduce the lifespan of your insulation.
It is a good idea to have a professional come in periodically and take a look at your insulation. This will allow them to catch potential problems before they become bigger issues. They can also recommend any necessary maintenance to keep your home’s temperature stable.
Insulation Experts in Roseville
Roseville gets hot in the summer and chilly in the winter, so you’ll want your insulation to be sufficient. Once our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions helps with your insulation, we offer a wide range of other services to ensure that your home is comfortable regardless of the time of year. Our experts can aid you in keeping your cooling and heating system in excellent condition. We perform HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance and also tackle a variety of plumbing and air quality tasks.
Contact us today at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions in Roseville to get help with the insulation in your home.
