Signs Your Home Needs More or New Insulation

Your home could be under-insulated or in need of re-insulating. Ceiling and roof insulation are what keep your home from being influenced by outside temperatures and humidity. When you don't have enough or need new insulation, your home's temperature will be uncomfortable. Plus, ceiling and roof insulation affect attic humidity levels. Here are some ways you can tell your home doesn't have enough roof and ceiling insulation.

Your Home Is Too Hot or Too Cold

When you don't have enough or insufficient insulation, your home will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Direct sunlight on your roof can actually raise temperatures in a poorly insulated room. Likewise, heat will escape when the weather is cold. You may also find your walls and floors cold to the touch during winter and have more cold drafts.

Your Heating and Cooling Costs Are High

When your home isn't insulated well, you're at the mercy of the outside elements. If you have central heat and air, the unit will need to run more to keep your home at a constant temperature. You will notice your bills increase and decrease based on the outdoor temperatures. If your home was previously well-insulated, a rise in heating and cooling costs is an early sign your insulation needs replacement.

Your Attic Has a Lot of Condensation 

When you have a poorly insulated ceiling and attic, condensation can form. Warm, moist air rises from your home and meets the cooler air of the attic. Usually, proper ceiling and roof insulation can block the moisture and warm air from causing too much impact on your attic. However, when the insulation is insufficient or in bad shape, then it becomes ineffective. When condensation is severe, mould and mildew can damage your existing insulation and render it ineffective.

Your Rooms Have Varied Temperatures

Another sign you have ceiling and attic insulation problems is if there's a wide temperature variation in your rooms. First floor rooms may be cooler or warmer than your upper floor. Top floor rooms with full sun will be warmer than shaded rooms. A well-insulated home has similar temperatures throughout unless you have a window or curtain open.

New or increased insulation is a cost-effective and practical way to keep your home comfortable. When you have enough insulation, you will experience fewer temperature and humidity extremes. Also, you won't need to use up electricity trying to moderate the temperatures. Talk to a contractor to see if your home can benefit from more or new insulation.


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