6 Signs Your Attic Insulation Needs Replacement

A properly insulated attic offers a bunch of advantages. It makes your home more comfortable, reduces your energy bills, improves the indoor air quality, and often boosts the resale value of your home.

On the other hand, damaged or poorly installed attic insulation can lead to some serious problems. If you are wondering when is a good time to replace your attic insulation, look out for the following signs:

Fluctuations in Indoor Temperature

HVAC systems have made it easier for homeowners to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. However, if the temperature at your home continuously fluctuates despite the HVAC system being set to the same level, it can be a sign of poor attic insulation.

A lack of insulation or deteriorating insulation materials can impact the efficiency of your HVAC system. Popular insulation contractors like West County Insulation can help you with the necessary repairs and replacements based on the current condition of your attic insulation.

Sudden Increase in Energy Bills

Unless you buy a large appliance for your home, the energy bills should remain the same every month. There will be seasonal variations, but they are somewhat predictable. If you see a sudden spike in your energy bills, it may be a major sign of poor attic insulation.

Due to poor insulation, your home will consistently lose (or gain) heat, causing the HVAC system to run constantly to compensate. This generally leads to higher energy bills.

Brown or Dark Spots on Ceilings

Another major sign of poor attic insulation is the intrusion of moisture. Poor insulation of the attic may cause water to enter through wet insulation or a hole in your roof. This condition can result in brown or dark spots on ceilings or walls.

A burst pipe or roof leak can damage the attic insulation. However, if the insulation was done poorly, it can expose pipes to freezing temperatures and cause them to burst. When your insulating materials get wet, you have no other option but to replace them before it leads to other serious problems.

Musty Odors

If you smell unpleasant, musty odors even after cleaning your home, it may indicate the growth of mold and mildew on your property. Mold can take hold in wet insulation in your attic. As you may realize, not all insulating materials are waterproof.

On top of that, if the attic remains unused for a long time, the moisture from rainfall and melted snow can make it conducive to mold growth. You need to replace the attic insulation to get rid of such issues. At the same time, you must also focus on cleaning and caring for the attic and other crawlspaces at home.

A Drafty Home

If your home feels drafty even when you close all the doors and windows, it is a clear sign of faulty attic insulation. When your attic insulation is damaged or incorrectly installed, the cold air from outside leaks in, making the home feel colder and less comfortable.

If you had your attic insulated several years ago, it might have shifted or developed holes in it over the years. There is also a possibility that the previous contractor did not install the insulation properly the first time. Choosing a reliable contractor to replace the attic insulation can eliminate drafts and improve the comfort of your home.

Pest Infestation

Small animals, such as mice, bats, squirrels, and even snakes, can make their nests in your attic insulation. If you see signs of pest infestation at home, there is a possibility that they have turned the attic insulation into their home.

While the pest control team can help you get rid of these pests, you also need to replace the attic insulation. Otherwise, these creatures will come back and bring various diseases to your home. Get in touch with an insulation specialist to remove the existing insulation and install a new one.

Wrapping Up

Even if you do not use your attic, regular insulation of the space can help you identify insulation issues before they lead to any serious problems.

At the same time, keep an eye out for all the aforementioned signs that indicate problems in your attic insulation. While you can fix certain holes and damages using spray foam insulation, you should always consult a professional before you replace the entire thing.