Signs You Need To Replace Your Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is the most important factor in regulating the temperature of your home, even more so than doors and windows. Due to the stack effect, heat rises and escapes through the top of a structure, so the insulating material inside your attic resists the transfer of heat, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Unfortunately, attic insulation can become less effective as it settles over time, and wildlife and pest infestations can damage it further. Damaged or settled insulation can lead to uncomfortable temperatures and high energy bills. Don’t worry, Summit Environmental Solutions can help. Our team of insulation experts offers insulation removal, cleaning, and replacement services in Hampton Roads.
Unusually High Energy Bills
Insulation is very effective at maintaining indoor temperatures, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature through the harsh cold of winter as well as the oppressive heat of summer. If your insulation is old or damaged, it may not be effectively regulating your indoor temperatures, making your HVAC system work even harder to compensate. This can result in energy bills that are higher than usual, as you rely on your heating and air conditioning to keep you comfortable during extreme temperatures. Noticing these high energy bills is a sign that you should have your attic insulation inspected immediately.
Uneven Temperatures Throughout the Home
Insulation doesn’t all fail at once, instead it will fail in certain spots as areas settle, or are ripped out by invading wildlife. In the home, this can manifest as certain areas feeling “drafty”, or colder than other rooms. During the summer, some rooms may get extremely hot, especially rooms on the upper levels of the home that are directly below the attic.
Replacing or adding to your attic insulation can create an even base level of temperature throughout the home, eliminating temperature problems and creating a more comfortable environment.
Schedule a FREE Estimate
Pest or Wildlife Infestations
When pests or wildlife invade your attic space, they can rip out your insulation, tunnel through your insulation and urinate/defecate in it, all of which can lower the insulation’s ability to resist heat. Because pests and wildlife cause so much damage, it’s important to have the insulation removed and replaced afterwards. Some of the most common attic-dwelling pests and wildlife include:
Water Damage or Roof Leaks
Water getting inside your attic can saturate the insulation and lower its r-value, or ability to resist heat. When wildlife like raccoons break into your attic, they often leave holes in your roof that can let in rain. This water damage can cause mold to grow on your insulation, damaging it further. If you go inside your attic and see stained, moldy, sagging insulation, this is a sign that you need to replace your attic insulation immediately.
Old, Settled and Compressed Insulation
Insulation naturally settles and compresses over time, which can make it less effective at resisting heat. If you see your insulation visibly sagging or compressing, this is a sign that you need to have your insulation looked at by a professional. While this blog is about replacing attic insulation, sometimes that isn’t the best option! For settled insulation, you can often add blown-in cellulose insulation on top of the current insulation to revitalize it and improve the r-value. Getting in touch with an attic insulation professional to discuss options can help you decide on next steps.
Best Attic Insulation Replacement Services in Hampton Roads
When you are noticing higher energy bills, temperature fluctuations, pest or wildlife infestations, roof leaks, or settled insulation, it’s time to get your attic insulation replaced. Summit Environmental Solutions can help. Our team of insulation experts will come out and assess the situation before providing you with recommendations for the next steps and a customized estimate for the cost of getting your attic back in shape. We offer all types of insulation, from fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose to spray foam and foam board. Call us today to get started with a FREE estimate at 757-901-4455!