A well-insulated attic has a big effect on the rest of your home. You don’t want air to be able to escape or enter through your attic—otherwise you’ll have a harder time keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer.
Perhaps your attic is already insulated, but you’re still having issues with air retention in your home. When was the last time you actually checked the condition of the insulation in your attic?
Here are some signs that it could be time to replace your attic insulation in Petaluma, CA.
The air quality in your home has decreased
Attics are often prone to moisture-related problems. As attic insulation wears out, there could be cracks or holes that develop and allow moisture to seep into the home, causing the attic to become a damp breeding ground for mildew and mold.
This can quickly become hazardous to your health, as mold and mildew release spores that cause or exacerbate respiratory problems. Probably about 40 percent or more of the oxygen you breathe in your home first passes through your attic, which means it’s crucial that you do not have any toxic substances inside it.
Some signs of mildew or mold in the air include:
Increased allergic symptoms when you’re in your home
The distinct, unpleasant scent of moisture or mold in your attic or home
Water leaks coming in through your ceiling or wall
You have pests in the attic
Attic insulation can become a breeding ground for rodents and other pests as well as mold or mildew. Other pests such as insects and even birds could also burrow themselves into old, worn-out insulation. Fortunately, newer types of insulation prevent that from becoming an issue. Spray foam insulation, for example, features composite materials reacting together to form a strong barrier. It is quite difficult for creatures to be able to form nests in this material.
You have problems with your heating and cooling
The most common symptom of poor insulation in your attic is hot or cold air not staying inside your house where you need it. You’ll likely notice elevated numbers on your monthly energy bills, and that could very well be caused by poor insulation.
If you notice drafts in certain areas of the house, this could also very well be a problem with attic insulation. By investing in new insulation for your attic, you stand to save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.
These savings will be especially large during the coldest parts of the winter and the hottest parts of the summer, when you are more likely to be frequently running your furnace or air conditioner.
These are just a few signs that it’s time to replace your attic insulation in Petaluma, CA. For more information about the benefits of upgrading your attic insulation and the signs that it is probably time to make improvements in your home, we encourage you to contact the professional insulation installers at Ace Insulation Inc. today.
All homes should be insulated, but that doesn’t mean that your whole home is insulated to the extent it ought to be. Time and time again we find homes that are under-insulated and could use some more insulation to be more energy efficient and comfortable throughout the year. Thankfully, as long as you know what to look for, it’s not hard to tell if your home needs more insulation. Continue reading to find out if you need to schedule attic insulation installation in Petaluma, CA:
Fluctuating temperatures: The fastest way to tell that your home is under-insulated is if your indoor temperatures are different in each room. For example, if your bedrooms are warm but your living room is cold, you know that something is amiss with your insulation. Thankfully, that’s not a hard problem to fix—just give us a call! We can address that problem so you’re comfortable throughout your home.
High energy bills: Along with keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, insulation’s main job is to keep your energy bills as inexpensive as possible. That’s tough if your home doesn’t have enough insulation! Call us for an insulation inspection if you’re tired of spending an arm and a leg each month on your energy bills.
Cold walls: This one won’t apply for a few months, but if you notice that your walls are chilly this winter, your home is probably under insulated. Go around your home and touch your walls. Do they feel damp or cold? Let’s hope not! That’s a sure sign that you need more insulation. Your ceilings and floors might also feel a bit cold to the touch if your home doesn’t have enough insulation.
Uncomfortable rooms: Are some rooms in your home too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? Typically, we find that this is a problem on the upper levels of homes. Luckily, attic insulation installation in Petaluma, CA could be a solution. More insulation will keep your heat or conditioned air in and block outdoor weather from entering.
Frozen pipes: Running your water on freezing cold nights is one way to prevent frozen pipes. We may be able to prevent the need to turn your faucet on by adding insulation. Insulation will keep your pipes warm throughout the winter, ensuring you never have to deal with frozen pipes again.
Water leaks: Insulation does wonders to keep your conditioned air in and nasty weather out! If you’re lacking insulation in the attic, you could notice leaks after a rainstorm. More insulation (especially spray foam insulation) will help keep your home nice and dry after a storm.
Pests in your home: Few things are more unsettling than finding signs of mice or insects in your home. They sneak in through crevices and build their nests where it’s nice and comfortable inside. Adding insulation by your exterior walls should help keep these nasty pests out!
As you can see, more insulation in your home can solve a variety of problems. From high energy bills to plumbing problems, some more insulation can make your home a better place to be. Get in touch with Ace Insulation Inc. today if you’re ready to live a more comfortable life!
If your attic is uninsulated, you’re simply letting heat and cool air pour out of your house. Attic insulation installation in Petaluma, CA can be a great way to make your home more energy efficient, and once you do it, you’ll notice the results on your energy bill right away.
Perhaps you’re asking, though, “What is the most cost- and energy-effective way to insulate an old attic?”
Here are some of the best options.
Loose-fill spray insulation
This is a great option for old attics, which often have irregular joist spacing (as batts are cut to fit regularly spaced joists). Loose fill is sprayed in, which means it can even work if your attic has existing insulation. The loose fill will be forced into whatever gaps are currently there in your insulation.
Your options for loose fill are:
Cellulose: It’s made from recycled paper, and is probably the most common of all loose fill insulation. It can mold if not treated, and also has to be treated to be fire and insect resistant. But it’s an effective, inexpensive option, and excellent at limiting drafts.
Fiberglass: It’s made of recycled glass that has been turned into fibers. It’s an excellent and easy-to-install insulator. It has to be put on much thicker than other loose-fill choices, as it settles quite a bit over time.
Mineral wool: Made from slag from blast furnaces that have been spun into fibers. It’s naturally fire and insect resistant, but it’s also more expensive than both cellulose and fiberglass.
Batt insulation
If your attic is up to current code standards, batt insulation is a sound choice, as it’s already cut to fit perfectly in between joists and studs, and is easy to roll out and tack on. It’s easy to measure your attic to determine how many batts you’ll need to insulate everything, and easy to return excess batts if you have leftovers after attic insulation installation in Petaluma, CA, meaning you won’t waste money.
Your options for batt insulation are:
Cellulose: Has the same benefits of loose-fill cellulose, with the added benefit of being easy to install on your own.
Fiberglass: The long-time insulation standard. Fiberglass batts are an affordable way to insulate your attic.
Mineral wool: Benefits are the same as with its loose-fill form, but it’s still more expensive than fiberglass and cellulose options.
Wool: A really unique form of insulation. It’s 100 percent sustainable and natural, excellent at keeping in heat and cool air and naturally resistant to mold, as it’s very good at releasing moisture. It’s usually more expensive than fiberglass, but an excellent natural alternative.
Cotton: Made from recycled denim, cotton is another excellent natural insulation choice. It doesn’t insulate quite as well per inch as wool, but is about on par with fiberglass. It’s more susceptible to mold than wool, and also needs to be treated to be flame resistant.
Spray-foam insulation
This is probably the best insulation option––especially if you’re refitting your attic to be lived in––but requires professionals to install it. It doesn’t need a vapor barrier or any help keeping it from absorbing moisture, and putting up sheetrock over it makes it more effective and safer to use.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for pros to handle your attic insulation installation in Petaluma, CA, give us a call here at Ace Insulation Inc. We install a variety of types of insulation, and can help you insulate or reinsulate your attic to save you money every month on your energy bill.
Home insulation experts are often asked the question, “Why do I need attic insulation?” The simplest answer is that, when installed right, attic insulation increases indoor comfort while also lowering your energy costs, among other reasons. Whether you are considering converting your attic to a comfortable living space or simply want to protect your home or building from the elements, you should hire a professional to install quality insulation. Doing so will better ensure lower energy costs, an ideal indoor living environment and cozy temperatures all year round.
There are three common types of attic insulation in Petaluma, CA. The right one for you depends on your space and insulation needs:
Blown-in and loose fill: This type of insulation material is installed as small components that are blown into place inside your attic. It will cover your attic floor completely, offering exceptional insulation power.
Sprayed: A sprayed insulation material—typically fiberglass or cellulose—is a great, high-quality choice, but even more so if your HVAC or split HVAC system is up in the attic. Additional insulation may be needed along the ceiling; a spray material works very well.
Batts: Each piece of batt insulation is large and thick, but while this material can insulate well, it’s not unusual for pieces to be uneven. This unevenness leads to a lack of complete coverage.
Here are five excellent reasons to install high-quality attic insulation in Petaluma, CA:
Reduced AC and heating needs: It’s typical for homeowners and business owners to turn up the heater in winter and crank the air conditioner in summer. However, this results in increased energy consumption. To reduce your HVAC usage while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, consider adding to or replacing your attic insulation. The HVAC won’t have to work as hard, thus possibly extending its lifespan.
Consistent indoor air temperatures: Uneven and inconsistent indoor temperatures are caused by constant air leakage through the ceiling. You will notice a major difference in temperatures from room to room. With proper attic insulation in Petaluma, CA, you will get a more consistent temperature throughout your home or business.
Prevent damage in the attic: Most homeowners use their attic as a storage space, or they may upgrade it to a functional living space. If you have poor insulation, then the elements can get in and destroy stored items, or make the added living space too uncomfortable to inhabit.
Avoid moisture buildup: When cooking in the kitchen and using the shower, some of the steam that forms in the areas below the attic will make its way upward. An attic that is not insulated or poorly insulated could trap vapors inside, turning them into condensation that could cause mildew growth or structural damage.
Lower energy bills: Between drafty areas and constantly fluctuating temperatures, your HVAC system ends up working super hard. Your energy use will go up, and so will your costs. Improve your insulation to lower both.
At Ace Insulation Inc., our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right attic insulation in Petaluma, CA to suit your home’s or business’ comfort needs. Give us a call today to learn more!
When you’re remodeling or building a home, attic insulation might be the last thing you’re thinking about. After all, how much time will you spend in your attic compared to your kitchen or living room? Even though you won’t be up in your attic too often, you need to put some thought into what kind of insulation material will go inside the attic walls. There’s a lot to know about attic insulation in Petaluma, CA before you make a decision, and hopefully the following information will make your choice easier.
What kinds of insulation are there?
We install both fiberglass and spray foam insulation. They both work to trap air in your home that would normally seep through the walls and raise your monthly utility bills. Fiberglass is the most popular choice for insulation, but spray foam is gaining market share each year.
Why do you need attic insulation?
It’s probably safe to say that one of the reasons people buy a home is to save money. Homeowners can claim dozens of deductions on their taxes each year, and save money each month on utility bills, compared to people who rent apartments (especially in older buildings). Having the proper insulation is a major factor in saving money each month on electric bills. It’s estimated that homeowners who have good insulation save 30 to 50 percent on their heating and air conditioning bills on a monthly basis.
What kind of attic insulation should you buy?
The choice is ultimately up to you when it comes to attic insulation in Petaluma, CA. While fiberglass is less expensive than spray foam, it tends to be of lower quality, which means it won’t trap in hot and cool air as well as spray foam. Fiberglass insulation is particularly less effective in colder temperatures. Spray foam insulation also has a longer lifespan than fiberglass. Fiberglass insulation usually needs to be replaced after 25 years, whereas spray foam can actually keep working for 80 years.
Why hire a professional?
Although fiberglass insulation installation seems like it’d be pretty easy, it can be dangerous for those who don’t know what they’re doing. Due to the fact that fiberglass is made out of shards of glass, it tends to irritate the skin unless you’re extremely careful and wear long sleeves, pants and protective gloves. Inexperienced folks often also tend to miss areas that need insulation, making the whole process less effective. Meanwhile, our professionals wear all of the right gear, and know exactly where to install the insulation for maximum efficiency.
On the other end of the spectrum, due to the highly technical nature of the process, spray foam insulation requires the help of a professional. Ace Insulation Inc. has been in business since 2011, so you can count on us to provide perfect spray foam insulation installation at highly competitive rates.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our insulation installation professionals and enjoy greater savings on your monthly energy bills for years to come!
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