Top 5 Warning Signs You Need New Insulation

Joshua Lewis • February 9, 2022
Image of ruler measuring depth of attic insulation in North Chesterfield VA home.

Do your energy bills seem extremely high this winter, but you’re still not warm in your home? If so, there’s a chance your insulation needs to be replaced.

The insulation in your home naturally breaks down and deteriorates over time, hurting its ability to slow the flow of heat from entering your home in the summer and leaving it in the winter. How much attic insulation you need varies by where you live, with current code for new construction homes in Virginia at about 13.5 inches of blown-in style insulation. Having less than those 13 inches means you’re losing money every month as your HVAC system works harder to keep you and your family comfortable inside.

Here are the top five warning signs you need new attic insulation:

  1. Your Home’s Temperatures Are Fluctuating. Even though your HVAC system is on and working, it struggles to keep a steady, comfortable temperature throughout your home.

  2. Your House Feels Drafty. If all of your windows and doors are sealed but you still feel a cold draft flowing through certain rooms, you may have damaged insulation.

  3. Your Energy Bills Are Extremely High. A poorly insulated attic may be a contributing factor if you notice a spike in your energy costs during the summer or winter months as your home tries to cool down or heat up.

  4. You Notice Wet Insulation. Water makes fiberglass and cellulose insulation useless. If your attic insulation has been exposed to water or moisture – from a roof leak or high humidity levels, for example – it won’t be able to effectively keep your home comfortable.

  5. You Hear Tiny, Scurrying Footsteps In Your Attic. Unfortunately, attic and crawlspace insulation makes for warm lodging for rats, mice, squirrels, and other critters. If they’re nesting, eating, or excreting in your insulation, it can’t do its job properly.

If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it may be time to call a trusted insulation contractor. Our Retex Roofing consultants examine your attic space and give you a free estimate for the type of insulation that best fits your needs and budget. Adding attic insulation will save you money on your heating and cooling costs, increase your home’s energy efficiency, and keep you comfortable in your house throughout the year.

If you’re a homeowner in Richmond, Virginia, looking to increase your attic insulation, give our team a call at (804)-442-3314 or click the button below to tell us more about your insulation needs.

RETEX's Iris Hernandez decorated one of our trucks with a
By Katelyn Lewis October 28, 2025
One of our work trucks was a "Zombie Roof" haunted house for Providence Elementary's 2025 Trunk or Treat. And we also supported Charter Colony's Fall Festival.
Window replacement in Richmond, Va.
By Katelyn Lewis October 24, 2025
This Henrico homeowner reached out to RETEX in July 2025 for an estimate for new windows and doors on her home based on measurements she’d already gathered.
RETEX replaced this Richmond homeowner’s roof in October 2025 with Tamko Stormfighter “Rustic Black”
By Katelyn Lewis October 24, 2025
RETEX replaced this Richmond homeowner’s roof in October 2025 with Tamko Stormfighter “Rustic Black” architectural shingles.
One of our RETEX trucks at the Junior League of Richmond's 20th Touch A Truck.
By Katelyn Lewis October 20, 2025
On Saturday, October 18, so many kids got to explore one of our RETEX trucks – and many others! – at the 20th Annual Touch A Truck event.
RETEX roof replacement in Bowling Green, VA; Owens Corning Duration
By Katelyn Lewis October 17, 2025
This Bowling Green, VA homeowner chose RETEX to replace his roof, siding, and gutters in May 2025.
RETE Roof Replacement.
By Katelyn Lewis October 15, 2025
While we take the term “re-roofing” to mean a full tear-off and replacement, some companies will install a new roof over an old one. Here's why we don't do that.
A Powhatan roof pre-RETEX repair, June 2025.
October 14, 2025
This Powhatan homeowner was getting ready to put his house on the market and wanted to remedy some roof leaks.
Image of RETEX's Katelyn Lewis holding Albus Lewis in front of a RETEX truck.
By Katelyn Lewis October 12, 2025
Please join us in wishing our fantastic marketing and digital guru a happy birthday.
Image of RETEX's Aaren Davis.
By Katelyn Lewis October 9, 2025
Please join us in wishing our wonderful office administrator a wonderful birthday.
Image of RETEX crews installing insulated vinyl siding on a North Chesterfield, VA home.
By Katelyn Lewis October 8, 2025
Updating your home's siding is a big siding. Here are the two main reasons people take on the project.