When you think about insulation, your brain probably pictures the ugly pink foam in your home. But we have learned a lot in the past decade about how to properly insulate your home and the consequences of a lacking barrier. Just because you have insulation in your home does not mean it is the right kind of insulation or that there is enough of it. Better insulation in your home means more energy efficiency because it takes less to heat and cool your home. Having home improvement contractor in Downriver Michigan evaluate or install more insulation in your home’s attic can cut energy costs and help your HVAC system perform better. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider this inexpensive home improvement project for your Downriver Michigan home.
Why Proper Insulation in Your Attic Is Crucial for Your Home in Downriver Michigan
More and more families are taking advantage of attic space and converting it into an additional bedroom, home office, or even a theater room. Many times during this process the insulation is overlooked. Remodeling your attic can give you that additional floor space but you should certainly make sure that the insulation in the attic is used and installed. If not, heating and cooling the attic space will be very difficult and the expense of energy used to do so will likely be high.
For attics especially, you need to keep your insulation in great condition for it to be able to do its job. Without proper insulation, you are opening your home up to a lot of problems you many have never considered.
Why You Need Insulation in Your Attic
While you may think your windows and doors are the biggest causes for decreased energy efficiency, you can actually lose up to 25% of your heating through your attic. Roofs are also great at absorbing heat, especially with dark colored shingles. This heat absorption comes through your roof, into your attic and then into the rest of your home. This can make it incredibly difficult to regulate the temperature in your home, especially in the warmer months.
Insulation is designed to form a barrier between the interior and exterior of your home, making it much more difficult for heat and cold to travel through it. Insulation in your attic will both help block the exterior temperatures from coming in, and from losing the interior temperatures that you are paying for.
How to Tell If You Have Enough Insulation
A vast majority of homes are under insulated in one way or another. To make sure you have enough insulation, and to save money on your energy bills each month, you should have a professional come to your home to do a thorough inspection. The Department of Energy’s site has information for helping you to find someone to evaluate your insulation and see where you measure up. They will also be able to give you recommendations for the type of insulation and the amount of insulation you will need for each place. You may be able to add new insulation to your current insulation, but you may have to replace it entirely.
Signs Your Attic’s Insulation Needs to Be Replaced
There are several reasons for your insulation to be replaced in your attic. The first one to consider is the age of the materials used. While they may not necessarily degrade, older insulation is far less effective than the newer options on the market. Older insulation can also contain harmful things like asbestos.
If you have had any leaks in your roof you may also notice water damage to your insulation. When water gets in, the insulation can create perfect conditions for mold to grow and spread. This can also be dangerous for your health and can cause thousands of dollars in damages throughout your home. Once insulation gets wet you should remove it and replace it to be safe.
When it comes to your home’s insulation in the attic it’s always best to get an inspection done by an experienced professional. One of the best home improvement contractors in Downriver Michigan is All Point Construction. They offer free consultations on home improvement projects and can provide a quote for your project. Call them today at 734-407-7110 to get started!