If your Minnesota home is your pride and joy, routine upkeep and updating are required to keep it standing after decades of use. Is it time to upgrade your attic insulation?
Upgrading your insulation may only require immediate attention if your home has endured severe water damage. Still, upgrading your attic insulation might be a good idea to put on your to-do list for “sometime soon” if your insulation is old or lacking in certain areas. The Construction Group can help you get started!
Learn why attic insulation is one of the first places you should look to upgrade, and reach out to our team for spray foam insulation services in Minnesota.
If Your Insulation Has Water Damage, Act Now
If your home has undergone roofing repairs in the past few years, there’s a good chance your attic insulation is in less than prime condition. Water can be incredibly destructive to attic insulation, damaging its insulating properties and even leading to mold growth.
It’s always a good idea to have your roofer look at your insulation and attic anytime you’re having work done and knock out any repairs simultaneously. And if you’ve had recent roof issues or a leak in your ceiling, you can bet there’s an issue with your attic insulation.
Replace Old Insulation Every 15 Years
Most homeowners don’t even think about attic insulation. Out of sight, out of mind! But you should consider replacing your insulation if you’ve lived in your home for at least 15 years.
If you’ve lived in your home for more than 20 years, you may be experiencing some higher-than-normal energy bills. If you bought the house new, you should be free from worry for now, assuming the contractor used quality-grade insulation materials.
Insulation manufacturing has progressed by leaps and bounds over the years, and every year, it gets better. If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance your attic insulation hasn’t been updated in several decades. New attic insulation will feel like a revelation between the increased home comfort and lower monthly energy costs you’ll experience.
Ask an insulation contractor to check out your attic if you suspect it’s time for a change!
Sky High Energy Bills Mean You Need New Insulation
We expect our utility bills to be slightly higher during winter. But if you feel your energy costs are significantly more than they should be, or you’re paying more than your neighbors pay, the problem may lie with your home’s insulation.
If your energy bills are shockingly high, it probably means your furnace is having to work far too hard to keep up with the heat you’re losing through your attic and walls. The same is true during the summer months, when heat transfer through your attic and walls can have you running your air conditioner on high all the time.
If your insulation does not adequately contain the air from your HVAC systems, they will have to work overtime to heat and cool your home, denting your wallet. Although this symptom could come from different root causes, you should investigate by speaking or making an appointment with an energy specialist from your electric or gas company.
Have your HVAC system checked and set up an appointment with an insulation contractor for professional inspection. If you have seen a recent increase in your energy utility bills, whether summer or winter, it may be time to replace your insulation with a higher grade, such as spray foam.
Attic insulation upgrades and spray foam wall insulation should make a dramatic difference in your heating and cooling costs. At The Construction Group, our insulation installers offer Owens Corning Pink Fiberglass Blown-in Insulation and spray foam insulation to create the ultimate seal.
And if you’re saving on your energy costs, you’re also reducing your household impact on the environment!
If Your Home Feels Drafty, That’s a Sign
You should check a few things when you have cold drafts in your house. If you have a fireplace, your draft may come from the flue. Also, check your weather stripping around windows and doors.
Lastly, check your insulation. If you have easy access, measure the temperature with a small outdoor thermometer in the attic, then measure the temperature in any room below. Record your temperatures.
Your attic is one of the parts of your house most affected by the cold and heat. Assuming you use your attic simply to store items away, your attic should be at least 10°F warmer than the outside. Your rooms below also should be significantly warmer than your attic assuming it has adequate insulation. If you reside in Minnesota, your minimum rating should be R50 or higher, according to EnergyStar.gov.
A sure sign that you’ve got attic insulation problems is a drafty upstairs bedroom, especially if your home’s downstairs tends to stay nice and warm. Since heat rises, a well-insulated attic should be keeping your home's heat inside.
If your attic isn’t performing properly, it’s allowing heat to escape through your roof, which can lead to ice dams and even roof damage over time. It will also take a toll on your home’s heating and cooling costs.
Uneven heating throughout your home can also be a sign of poor or inadequate attic insulation!
You Have Ice Dams? Insulation Could Be At Fault
Next time there’s been snow on your roof for a few days, take a walk around the perimeter of your house. Are there icicles hanging from the edges of your roof? If so, you probably have ice dams, and they’re wreaking havoc on your roofing shingles.
As heat rises during the winter months, it travels by conduction through your underinsulated roof, melting the snow on top. This snow will refreeze when it reaches the edge of your roof, forming a dam. The water trapped by ice dams has nowhere to go, which means it can get into your home and damage your roof. Ice dams can also rip your gutters right off of your roof or even lead to foundation problems.
The best way to prevent ice dams is by upgrading your attic insulation. A better-insulated attic will keep heat inside your home instead of allowing it to escape through your roof, which adds up to fewer ice dams and less chance of damage to your home.
Does Your Home Have Uninvited Guests?
The last thing you need is unwanted visitors moving into your attic. But if you’ve recently had to deal with pests or animals inside your attic or living space, there’s a good chance you need to replace your insulation.
Maybe you’ve had squirrels get into your attic by eating through a vulnerable spot in your soffit, or perhaps you’ve caught a few mice. Either way, these types of pests can do untold damage to your home, especially your insulation.
Common FAQs About Attic Insulation
The Construction Group has answers to all your questions about insulation. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us for help!
How Often Should Attic Insulation Be Replaced?
Insulation typically lasts 15 to 20 years, but factors like material type and wear affect longevity. Regular inspection helps determine replacement needs.
Which Type of Insulation Is Best for Attics?
Options like fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam each have their advantages. Consulting a professional can help determine the best fit for your home.
Can I Install Insulation Myself?
While DIY is possible, professional installation ensures proper coverage, minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency.
How Much Can I Save by Upgrading Attic Insulation?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs with proper attic insulation.
Is Attic Insulation Eco-Friendly?
Yes, quality insulation enhances energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprint and promoting a more environmentally conscious household.
Contact Your Insulation Experts at The Construction Group!
If you think your energy bills are too high, you should turn to The Construction Group’s insulation services. Let us speak with you about spray foam insulation's invaluable and immediate benefits.
By investing in this top-notch air-sealing material, you will not only notice significant energy savings but also a sigh of relief from the extreme weather conditions.
If you also need your gutters replaced or a roof repaired, be sure to contact us. We stand behind our work.
We also offer free estimates and honest advice! Call us at 651-731-5857 today!