Here are 6 signs that show your attic is not properly insulated!
The furnace or air conditioner is overused
Insulation is specifically in place to maintain a balanced indoor temperature throughout the year, regardless of the outdoor temperature. So, if you've noticed during the colder months that your furnace constantly needs to provide heat, it could 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 your home to maintain a comfortable temperature, then it may be relevant to check the insulation in your attic.
Heating costs have increased
A sign that your insulation is not fulfilling its role is an abnormal increase in the cost of your electricity bills. If your bills from last year are different from this year's and the trend points towards an increase in electricity usage, it's an indication that your insulation is not properly installed or is not functioning correctly.
If your insulation is failing, extreme temperature fluctuations will occur in your home, meaning you will need more and more energy to keep the rooms in your house comfortable.
Formation of ice dams
While they may be pretty to look at, icicles can be a sign of a problem with your attic insulation. Poorly insulated attics become warm in winter, and the rising heat melts some of the snow on the roof, causing liquid water to flow down.
Ice dams can cause serious damage to the roof: ripping off shingles, detaching sections, and causing your roof edges to fall. To fix the problem permanently, you will need to start at the source: the attic insulation.
Drafts
Drafts don't appear on their own. If you notice drafts in one or more rooms and your front door isn't open, they are likely coming from a hidden location!
Not having adequate insulation will cause an obvious increase in energy consumption and lead to both discomfort and expensive electricity bills.
Animal infestation
If you hear a lot of noise coming from that room at the top of your house, it may be an obvious sign of an animal infestation. If squirrels, rats, mice, or other critters are able to build their home inside your residence's walls, then it’s time to update your insulation.
Once you have relocated these little guys, remember to go back into your attic to make sure nothing was left behind.
The insulation is wet
A sign that your attic insulation needs to be replaced is the presence of mold, dampness, or water in any form. Wet insulation can promote the growth of mold, which releases dangerous mycotoxins into your home's air.
The small air pockets that help trap air and maintain temperature stability cannot do their job when they are soaked with water. If you notice your insulation is damp, it’s the perfect time to start your attic renovation project.