Has it been a while since you last checked the insulation in your home? Maybe you recently bought a house and are not sure when the insulation was last updated. Typically, we recommend an expert evaluate the insulation in your home, but there a few common signs that indicate your insulation may need to be replaced or updated. Take a look at what our team put together below.
Lingering Odors
If you’ve thoroughly cleaned and your home still smells unpleasant with lingering odors, it may be time to call the experts. Not all insulation materials are waterproof, and moisture can compromise insulation, leaving it smelly and ineffective. If you have recently had a roof leak or notice extra moisture from the ice or snow in your home, check your insulation to see if it may be time for a replacement.
Water Damage
Wet flooring and splotches on ceilings are classic examples of leaking. As leaking can lead to mold and safety concerns for you and your family, it’s important to take care of leaks quickly and effectively. As we discussed, water can lead to insulation damage, so it’s important to check your insulation for possible replacement. While you are at it, you may want to do a full insulation evaluation to ensure all pipes and parts of your home are insulated properly. Improperly sealed, insulated pipes can inadvertently lead to more water damage with pipe bursts.
Heating & Cooling Issues
Are you experiencing drafts in your home? Or maybe your utility bill has gradually increased in cost with no explanation as to why? High utility bills, paired with drafty areas in your home, are key signs that your insulation should be replaced or updated. Although it’s natural for bills to be higher in the winter and summer months, the costs shouldn’t be extreme, and additional insulation may result in lower bills. If you notice your winter and/or summer bills have steadily increased from previous years, your insulation could be losing effectiveness and it’s time for an update.
Household Pests
In the winter months, pests like to be warm, too! Sometimes, rodents and insects nest or feed off of old insulation. While fiberglass is an easy-to-install, cheap insulation option, it’s also easy to tear apart and can leave your home subject to household pests. If you want your home to be sufficiently air-sealed, so pests cannot break in, spray foam insulation is an excellent option for updated insulation, as it prevents pests from eating the material and entering into the home altogether.
Before checking your insulation, make sure to wear the proper protection. Avoid contact with allergens and skin irritants by wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, as well as protective gloves.
We always recommend getting your insulation evaluated by the experts. If you need help diagnosing a roofing or insulation issue, contact the expert team at Herbert Roofing & Insulation. We will work with you to make sure your home is insulated properly and safely!
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