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.

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