Insulation Health Matters
As Canadians, we pride ourselves as “True Northerners.” Given this, it wouldn’t be too far off to compare ourselves to our favourite family of Westeros – The House of Stark. And as much as our extended relatives from Game of Thrones like to say it, we can’t help but repeat it for those worrying about their insulation – Winter is coming!
So before you end up with a certified icebox as a home, call an insulation expert to review your residence. While it isn’t necessarily life-or-death to have a professional inspection, industry experts can help homeowners find savings and avoid unnecessary costs stemming from various insulation issues.
Nonetheless, for the determined DIY’er, here are the areas and issues most likely to signal insulation troubles.
Signs That Your Home Is Under-Insulated
Assuming that you’re a homeowner, you should probably know your house best. So, often it is best to start evaluating your insulation levels based upon your experiences over the last few seasons.
Although some of these “symptoms” will be the last signs of a predicament, it’s a lot easier to do a comfort test before deciding to remove drywall.
Homeowners and even renters can discover valuable information about their insulation health by simply taking a quick tour through their abode. Here’s what to look for:
Varying Temperatures
Walking from room to room shouldn’t feel like your switching hemispheres. A well-insulated home will provide even consistent temperatures across your entire house. Slight variations are acceptable, but stay aware of drastic dips and increases in comfort.
Expensive Energy Bills
Are you spending too much running your air conditioning? Losing a fortune on your gas furnace? While these might just be inefficiencies within your appliances, wallet-breaking utility costs can certainly be (and most times will be) signs that heat is entering or escaping your house.
Drafts and Leaks
Feel cool air creeping on your neck? How about slight breezes near windows and doors? Unfortunately, keeping your house well-insulated is more than just cellulose or fibreglass in your walls and ceiling. Windows use inert gasses trapped in-between panes of glass to create a barrier against outdoor temperatures. As well, you will find that doors require seasonal inspections for weather stripping, sweeps, and caulking effectiveness.
Water Leaking in Your Attic
Poor insulation within your attic is not only is a major proponent for Ice Dam formation on your roof, but water has a much easier time travelling through under-insulated ceilings. Water stains and leaks are a definitive sign to replace your insulation. Damp and wet insulation can’t do its job protecting you against the heat or cold, and most times can lead to costly repairs brought about by mould damage.
Cold Floor and Walls
Insulation’s function is to protect you and your home from the fluctuating temperatures of the outdoors. So, if you find that drywall near the outskirts of your home is wet, damp, or cold to the touch, then it is probably best to start considering hiring a professional insulation inspection. Alternatively, in cold weather, if the outside walls of your house are warm, then heat has found an exit. Cold floors and walls can either be symptoms of gaps within insulation, water leaks, or worse.
Ensure Your Comfort
When it comes to raising utility costs and your comfort, don’t wait around for another harsh winter. Professional home consultations can be your best and easiest insurance against chilly floors, wet ceilings, and high energy costs this upcoming winter.
If you have noticed any of these symptoms within your own home, it is more than likely your insulation isn’t pulling its weight. Contact Tropical Insulation experts today to discuss your professional insulation inspection and get back to living comfortably.