Here are 6 signs that show your attic is not properly insulated!
The furnace or AC is overused
Insulation is specifically in place to maintain a balanced indoor temperature year-round, regardless of outdoor temperature. If you've noticed during the coldest months that your furnace constantly needs to provide heat, this may be a sign of a more serious problem with your attic insulation.
If you constantly and abnormally need to provide heat or cold air to maintain a comfortable temperature, it may be worth checking your attic insulation.
Heating costs have increased
A sign that your insulation isn't doing its job is an abnormal increase in electricity bills. If this year's bills differ from last year's with a trend toward higher electricity usage, it indicates your insulation isn't properly installed or isn't working correctly.
If your insulation is failing, extreme temperature fluctuations will occur in your home, meaning you'll need more and more energy to keep rooms comfortable.
Ice dam formation
Although they may look pretty, icicles can be a sign of an attic insulation problem. Poorly insulated attics become warm in winter, causing rising heat to melt rooftop snow and send water flowing downward.
Ice dams can cause serious roof damage: tearing off shingles, detaching sections, and knocking off roof edges. To permanently fix the problem, you need to address the source: attic insulation.
Drafts
Drafts don't appear on their own. If you notice drafts in one or more rooms while your front door isn't open, they're probably coming from a hidden location!
Inadequate insulation will cause an obvious increase in energy consumption, leading to both discomfort and expensive electricity bills.
Animal infestation
If you hear a lot of noise from the room at the top of your house, it may be a clear sign of animal infestation. If squirrels, rats, mice, or other creatures can build their home inside your walls, it's time to upgrade your insulation.
Once you've relocated these critters, remember to check your attic to make sure nothing was left behind.
Wet insulation
A sign that your attic insulation needs replacing is the presence of mold, moisture, or water in any form. Wet insulation can promote mold growth that releases dangerous mycotoxins into your home's air.
The small air pockets that help trap air and maintain temperature stability can't do their job when soaked with water. If you notice your insulation is damp, it's the perfect time to start your attic renovation project.
