Every home needs attic insulation. It’s a critical part of the structure. Insulation is always needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the living areas. It helps keep the home warm during winter. It also blocks out the heat during summer. Insulation helps the HVAC system work in an optimal manner. Amazing, isn’t it?
Want to know another astounding thing about insulation? It can last decades. Some experts even concede that insulation can work for a hundred years. This will depend on several factors though. One would be the type of insulation. For instance, blown-in fiberglass insulation can last 30 years. Rock or mineral wool insulation is good for 80 years. Meanwhile, foam boards can last 100 years.
It doesn’t mean you should leave your attic insulation as is though. Because it’s important, roofing expert says inspections are necessary once every year. Replace it as needed. But how will you know when to replace attic insulation? There are some signs you should watch out for.
Rodent Infestation
Did you know that about 21 million homes in the US have a rodent problem? These infestations often occur in the kitchen. But the attic, basement, and garage also get their fair share of pests. Rodents are always drawn to attics. It’s because it’s designed to protect the structure from the elements. It also protects the creatures, big and small, living inside. The insulation also makes an ideal nesting material. So does any stuff you stored in the attic.
You can tell you have a rodent infestation if you hear scurrying or scratching sounds. Odd smells coming from the space is another sign. Is your cat or dog focused on the ceiling? It could be they’re hearing or smelling the rats. You should also watch out for damaged insulation or nesting materials.
You must stop an infestation immediately. The damage to the insulation also needs fixing. This could entail removing the insulation. The space will then need disinfecting. You can then install new insulation for attic afterwards.
Presence of Mold
Mold growth is another sign that you need new attic insulation. The presence of these fungi on the insulation or the ceiling’s framing means there’s moisture. You have to track the cause or source of the moisture. Whatever it is, it needs solving. It also means your attic insulation might need replacing.
Any mold damage or growth is bad for the space. It will affect your home’s air quality. It can also weaken the structure.
Leaking or Damaged Roof System
A leaky roof will always cause problems. You should resolve this. Most homeowners don’t realize damaged or leaking roof means new insulation installation. It’s because the water that penetrated the roof could have affected the insulation under it.
Wet insulation is equal to poor insulation. Some insulation materials have better insulative properties. This means they still keep their properties even when wet. But molds will develop sooner or later. Water-damaged insulation will also transfer the moisture to the nearby framing. This will open the door to mold growth. It can also cause the building materials to deteriorate.
It’s best practice to have a professional check the insulation if you have a leaking roof. A leak that’s been happening for some time could mean a new attic insulation installation is in the cards.
Age of the Structure
You should also consider how long the house has been standing. An old home does need to change its attic insulation. Especially if it was never replaced before. The insulations we use today have longer lifespans. These don’t have enough thermal resistance for the structure’s needs.
Owners of older homes should check what kind of insulation they have. A visual inspection can provide you with a lot of information. It can tell you the physical state of the insulation. It will also tell you how clean the space is. You can even determine what type of insulation is there.
The Best Insulation Contractor in Texas
You should never cut corners when it comes to insulation. That’s something you don’t have to worry about with A Affordable Insulators. We’re a family-owned company in Houston, Texas. We were also voted as the top insulation company in the state. We specialize in residential and commercial fiberglass insulation. We also do loose-fill insulation and spray reflective coating. We also offer attic fans and other ventilation products. You can also call us for attic insulation removal. Give us a shout at 832-243-7484. You can also message us here and ask for a free estimate.
