If you think your home may be losing energy, your attic is one of the first places you should check. Signs of poor attic insulation can include higher than average energy bills, cold drafts coming in through the ceiling, and even ice dams on the roof. This blog post will discuss the signs of poor attic insulation and how to fix them!
The signs of poor attic insulation can be quite obvious. In some cases, you won’t even need to go into your attic to see signs of poor insulation! Some signs include:
- Higher than average energy bills: If your electric or gas bill has increased and you haven’t changed anything about how much electricity/gas is being used in the home, there are gaps in your insulation, allowing more heat out through the roof. Energy costs will increase because it takes longer for a heater or furnace to warm up the house again after losing so much warmth during its cycle time (and then having no way back inside). It is especially noticeable if other homes on similar bills are not experiencing this problem at all times when they use their utilities.
- Cold areas in the house: Attics that are not properly sealed and insulated with enough materials will let heat escape through their roofs. It can cause cold spots throughout your home, especially when there is no active heating system running or on an off-cycle (such as during periods at night). These signs may appear more noticeable near windows where drafts come from outside air leaking into these spaces too! You’ll notice them first upstairs since hot air rises. If you have rooms above each other, some floors might feel colder than others due to poor attic insulation, causing gaps in what’s supposed.
- Damaged roofing shingles: Damaged shingles are often caused by leaks that lead to snow melting and refreezing on the roof. It will eventually lead to water infiltration and rotting of attic rafters.
- Birds or other pests: If you have an infestation of birds, bats, squirrels, or any other type of pest in your attic, they’re likely causing damage as well. These animals can cause a lot of destruction by chewing through insulation, wires, and more.
- Ice dams: Icicles along the roof edge are one sign of an ice dam. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water reverses behind the dam and then can leak into the home.
- Condensation: One indication that there may be poor insulation in your attic is the presence of excessive amounts of condensation on or around your roof. It can cause mold and mildew problems in your home.
If you’re facing any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional for an insulation inspection. They’ll be able to tell you if you need more insulation and, if so, they can recommend the right type and amount for your home. Improving your attic insulation can help reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!