Insulation has amazing benefits for a house. It is usually hidden behind the walls, under the floor, or in the attic, but even if it is not visible in everyday life, it is significantly influencing it. It can increase the quality of living for the house’s residents by reducing energy bills and improving comfort all year round. Insulation is also a great method to prevent vermin from getting inside the attic, and because of that, one of the cheapest methods to increase the value of the property on the real estate market.
You can clearly put too little insulation, and then it can start leaking, getting humid, and simply not fulfilling its function. If the house is under-insulated, you may have problem-saving money, keep your home warm, and feel comfortable there. However, many people think that the more insulation you put, the better the isolation will be. As with everything, the right amount is the key to proper functioning.
Insulation & Moisture
In the insulation of the attic, more means better, but you can surpass the magic point of “too much” very quickly. In case the building is over-insulated, isolation can cause a lot of serious problems. Where there is too much insulation, moisture tends to get trapped inside it. If the house doesn’t have proper ventilation, humidity can build up in the building. If that happens, the attic will be especially exposed to moisture, as warm air tends to rise to the building’s highest part.
High humidity levels lead to problems with mold and fungus. They are not only unaesthetic but also dangerous for human health. If a person is exposed to it for long, mold can cause severe problems, such as asthma, allergic reactions, fungal infections, throat irritation, sinus infections, and much more. If mold releases mycotoxins after long exposure, it can even lead to death.
Getting rid of the mold is problematic, time-consuming, and can be extremely expensive. This is why it is so crucial to add the proper amount of insulation in your attic.
House is over-insulated
Remember that the presence of mold and dampness doesn’t have to mean that your house is over-insulated. It can also be a sign of an old or broken HVAC system, malfunctioning sump pump in the basement, or the effect of a leaking pipe. When you notice high humidity in your home, you should reach experts who can help you verify and address the problem’s source.
Hiring a specialist that knows everything about insulation is a great idea that can save you time and money. There is a slight chance that your house is over-insulated. However, a more common problem is the under-insulation of houses.
Some of the signs that can suggest that your insulation doesn’t fulfill its role are:
- Energy bills that are higher than usual without increasing the usage of energy,
- Uneven temperatures in different rooms in the house,
- A hot second floor of the house.
Installing insulation in an attic seems like an easy task, and indeed it can be if you know what you are doing. While applying the insulation is straightforward, the right amount is a bit problematic. This is why DIY projects are not always a great idea.
If you need to add just a bit of extra foam to seal one hole, you can trust your gut. However, when it comes to isolating the whole attic, it is best to contact professionals. By hiring an expert, you give yourself security that the materials are installed correctly and in the right amount, so you can enjoy safety, comfort, and lower energy bills.
