4 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Think You Need Insulation

When people think about home repairs, they usually think about fixing the gutters and replacing missing roof shingles, and not about installing new insulation in their homes.  Insulation plays a big role in the comfort of your home.  Proper insulation can help keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and can even keep away common pests that love to enter homes through cracks and holes.  Are you unsure if your home needs more insulation?  If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you’ll know that your house is in need of some serious insulation work.

Do you feel like you rely on your HVAC system too much?

When the temperatures drop you feel like you have to turn the heat up high as it can go to keep warm, and you had your HVAC system on full blast during the summer.  If your HVAC system seems to be running in over drive during the summer and winter, it could be a sign that your home is in need of some new insulation.  Insulation is designed to keep homes comfortable and temperate, and if your home never seems comfortable when it’s hot or cold out you should consider doing some insulation work.

Was your house built before 1980?

Older houses have charm that some people find irresistible, but most older homes have a serious lack of proper insulation.  Sweeping changes to building codes happened during the 1980s, and before the changes were made there were lax standards on installing insulation.  If you have an old home focus on getting insulation added to the walls, ceilings, and floors.  These areas need insulation the most to keep your home comfortable.

Do you notice mold growth on your ceiling or walls?

Mold isn’t just a serious problem for home owners, it’s also a sign that your insulation could need to be replaced.  Mold growth on your ceiling or walls could mean that the insulation you currently have is holding too much moisture and is slumping instead of staying in place.  If this occurs, you need replace whatever insulation is in the affected area.  Wet insulation is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, rot, and general bacteria growth.

Do you notice drafts around your windows and doors?

When some people feel a draft coming from their window or door they assume that they aren’t sealed tightly enough.  Their assumption isn’t wrong, but if they go out and replace the offending window or door they’re going about fixing the problem incorrectly.  If you notice drafts in certain areas, it’s a sure sign that you need to improve the insulation around the area.