submitted by Scott Miller, Service Manager, C and C Family Roofing and Siding
Did you ever walk into a room and feel a draft that sends a shiver up your spine? As if Death himself has laid his hand on you.
Often this is a result of improper insulation in your home. The hot air from your heating system escapes through the inadequate insulation areas and thus your heating system needs to run more often to compensate.
This air infiltration can lead to increased heating costs, moisture build up on the wood framing and could possibly lead to mold. The same thing could be said during the summer.
There are many areas in older homes that lack the proper insulation. The attic is the most common area. Older homes rarely meet the minimum recommended R-value for insulation.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the north east region to have a minimum R-38 insulation to a maximum of R-60 insulation in your attic space (Bat insulation or blown in insulation).
An easy way to determine whether a home has an insulation issue is during the winter months. Snow accumulation normally melts during the daylight hours.
Some other areas on a house where poor insulation is found are around windows and doors.
When windows and doors are installed properly there is a minimal gap that should be insulated. Many houses have larger openings and the insulation sags or is missing altogether.
Like many things in life, people would rather not know and just presume things are fine, all the while their heating and cooling bills are unreasonably high or they’re suffering with an uncomfortable home.
Have your home insulation checked by a professional insulation company before the winter sets in. Don’t get left out in the cold!