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The temperature of the air increases, and so will increase your energy bills when you have an uninsulated attic. In winter and fall, 25% of heat escapes through your attic. 25% of your heating bills spent on energy to heat isn’t doing its job.
Insulation serves air barrier to temperature in your attic and the outside air, keeping the interior of your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. It is the reason proper attic insulation is vital in achieving an energy-efficient home.
However, the attic is also known to be the most infrequently visited area of most homes. And many homeowners aren’t aware that their attic insulation needs repair or isn’t performing correctly. The result is the temperature in your home not being adequately controlled and your energy costs increasing.
It is therefore essential to examine your attic insulation and spot any issues to fix them immediately. The most typical problems with attic insulation are listed below.
1: Uneven Insulation Material
A few homeowners decide to build attic insulation. Although this can get performed, not only will it be disastrous, but it could result in an uneven application of insulation.
If the insulation material gets evenly distributed, it can result in various R-values or resistance inside the attic. It means that one section of your attic might be more resistant to heat flow, and the other parts could allow more heat flow.
Solution:
Instead of suffering the consequences, like increased energy costs and inadequate temperature control, it’s better to delegate the insulation task for your attic to the experts.
2: Condensed or Collapsed Insulation
The attic is primarily storage for bulky objects and boxes that aren’t in use. However, if your attic gets too crowded and the boxes push on the insulation, it compresses and loses the ability to create a barrier.
When the insulation in your attic gets compacted or degrades. Its R-value diminishes; when your attic insulation decreases, so does your attic’s thermal resistance, which makes your home less energy efficient.
Solution:
Avoid compacted or collapsed insulation by keeping large containers and other heavy items away from the insulation. Instead of putting all the objects on the ground, you can install shelves or other storage solutions to help you to reduce the weight of the insulation in your attic.
The attic insulation could also be covered with solid flooring so that you can place things on the floor without damaging the insulation underneath by putting weight on them.
3: Nonexistent Skylight Shaft Insulation
When you are fortunate enough to have a skylight, an attic shaft passes through the roof, the attic, and the ceiling. The area in your attic should also insulate, although many do not take the time to do this.
When sunlight hits Skylights, the heat flows to the shaft. The same is true for cold temperatures that creep into the post through winter. If not insulated, the stick will become an area of low thermal resistance within your attic. It can lead to ineffective insulation of your attic.
Solution:
It is essential to insulate your shaft before sealing it appropriately. The insulation that gets installed on skylight shafts can end up becoming loose and falling to the floor. Therefore it is recommended that it get sealed.
4: Incomplete Insulation in Repaired Spaces
Suppose you’ve got the proper attic insulation but completed repairs to your attic. In that case, you may not have been able to repair the insulation.
Repairs to your attic can move or completely take away all insulation. After the work and your contractor finish, you might not remember to replace the insulation. In the past, if your attic insulation appeared to have bald spots, these areas were more resistant to heat. They were able to release heating and cooling electricity.
Solution:
If you’re working on repairs, add insulation to your list of tasks to complete. If you’ve made repairs before and realize that you didn’t change the insulation, do it right now and replace it immediately.
5: Ventilation in the Attic Is Blocked
In some cases, the insulation block vents for the soffit in your attic. This ventilation keeps the attic cool in the summer. It allows moisture to escape by enabling air to circulate through it. The absence of venting in the attic can result in a scorching attic during the summer or a damp attic during winter.
If insulation blocks those vents, it can contribute to the condensation in your attic and moisture. It may result in the formation of mildew and mold and harm your health.
Solution:
You can avoid the risk of inhaling or inhaling mold and mildew by ensuring your attic vents are free of any insulation materials and obstructions.
Because your insulation materials could slide or fall, especially when they’ve been in place for more than ten years. Inspecting your attic is recommended, ensuring they’re not blocking the vents in your soffit.
6: Pest Infestation
The attic can be quiet and dark, making it an ideal hideout for insects, pests, and small creatures. Attics that are not adequately insulated are particularly attractive to pests that thrive in environments with a lot of humidity. They also make use of exposed insulation materials to construct their nests.
Solution:
Maintain your attic free from insects by sealing any gaps, cracks, and holes. Also, make sure to upgrade the insulation in these places to increase the thermal resistance of your attic.
If you’ve already noticed an infestation, you should contact your local extermination firm to eliminate the insects. After that, repair all holes they could have created through the insulation in your attic.
7: Inadequate R-Value
As previously mentioned, the R values of insulation reflect the resistance to heat or ability to regulate the temperature inside your house. The more R-value is higher more insulation.
Each insulation material comes with a different R-value determined by thickness and density. The R-value also is based on the number of layers in multiple layers of attic insulation.
In addition, the recommended R-value get based on the climate of your locale. Your HVAC system, and which section of the home you’re looking to insulate.
When you apply insulation with a low R-value, that is too low. Your home won’t effectively control, and you won’t be able to maximize the energy efficiency of attic insulation.
Solution:
Based on the Department of Energy, attic insulation must be at least R-30. It differs depending on the climate zone and is not the minimum.
Find the Proper Insulation for Your Attic from a Professional
613 Spray Foam is an Ottawa insulation company that installs insulation throughout the house, including the attic.
Our experienced attic insulation contractors also provide cathedral ceiling insulation and other insulation for the tight space between your ceiling and your roof.
We’ll let our certified, knowledgeable team of experts in attic insulation examine the condition of your Ottawa home’s insulation requirements. Contact the number (613) 319-8422 or contact us via email at info@613sprayfoam.ca to arrange a no-obligation assessment and quote.
