Keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient does not have to be difficult. If your monthly home energy bills are through the roof, often poor attic insulation can be the root cause of it. Improper insulation material in your attic can lead to several problems. Here are some of the most common attic insulation problems and how to fix them.
Mold development
One of the most prominent issues found in attic insulation is the formation of mold. When the roof is damp and there is no proper vapor barrier, leaks can give way to water absorption in the insulation layer, especially cellulose and fiberglass. Mold and mildew spread very rapidly after it starts to grow. Proper treatment must be in place to combat the health hazards of mold infestation. It impacts everyone living under the roof, including pets.
Treat mold and mildew by securing moisture laden surfaces by cutting off airflow. Air-seal is the best way to avoid the attic insulation from getting affected.
Uneven insulation layer
Overtime traditional insulation can become inefficient. It could be drifting away, thus leaving an uneven distribution of insulation. This can lead to air movement which contributes to increasing energy bills. Your attic insulation must be carefully checked to see whether the distribution of the material is uneven or if there are gaps for air to flow inside the attic flooring. Use of insulation material like spray foam is highly recommended as it doesn’t settle and lose its shape over time.
Pests living in the attic
Probably the most common insulation barrier is due to the abode of pests in your attic. If you often hear some squeaks and scratching sound, your home could be infested by some unwanted guests – pests. Insulation is the food source for these creatures. It is difficult to spot them as they usually hide in the dark corners of the attic. Attics being mostly dark and with not much activity in the space, the storage area forms a perfect home for these rodents to stay. Call a pest control company immediately to help get rid of these pests.
Blocked air vents
It is important that your attic remains well vented. If there isn’t proper airflow, blocked air vents or outlets could be the reason. When the surface comes in contact with moisture, then it gives way to mold development. Make sure that your insulation material isn’t blocking the vents. Close air vents using spray foam which reduces the need for ventilation.
Ice on roof
If winter causes snow to stand on your rooftop, it can cause the formation of ice dams. When snow shingles melt down your roof and again solidify near the edge of the slope, then it is called called ice dam. This happens when the roof surface is warm enough to melt the snow, but the edge remains over freezing temperature. More than the moisture deposition, it can also cause damage to the roof. Hence, you will not just need to repair the insulation, but your roof as well, thus adding to expenses. Adding more ice and keeping the same temperature can ease the problem. Also, ventilation may help as well. Even cold air circulation will lower the temperature inside the attic.
The answer to fixing your attic problems is based on your understanding of how different insulations work. Find out a better long-term solution to ease these worries and increase home energy efficiency.
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