As you consider how to insulate your home for winter, one major concern is eliminating insulation gaps. Even a small gap in your insulation can sabotage your home’s energy efficiency. Fortunately, there are several ways you can seek out gaps in your insulation as you prepare to winterize your attic.
Evaluate Heat Loss in Your Attic
A heat-loss thermometer is an essential tool for any home. You can buy one at most hardware stores. You’ll use the thermometer at least once every year, so purchasing a good model is a wise investment.
To use the device, turn it on and point it at the test area. The readout will give you the temperature reading for that area. The thermometer will help you identify areas with lower temperatures, suggesting heat loss in those parts of the attic. Test multiple areas to get a sense of the temperature differences throughout the space.
Visually Inspect Your Insulation Coverage
When addressing how to insulate home for winter can be simple, a visual inspection can tell you almost as much as a high-tech gadget. Look for areas your insulation doesn’t cover. You’ll typically find such gaps at the top or bottom where the insulation stops short.
If you don’t have a finished attic floor, you probably have blown-in insulation filling the gaps. The insulation should be higher than the floor joists. If you can see the floor joists, you have insufficient coverage. Your insulation update should include topping off the blown-in insulation in the attic floor.
Calculate the R-value of Your Insulation
Another effective method for discovering insufficient insulation coverage is by measuring the R-value. This figure tells you how well your insulation protects against heat loss. On batt and roll insulation, the side with the paper face should have the R-value printed on it. The R-value for homes in Seattle should range from R-49 to R-60.
You can calculate the R-value of your insulation yourself, if necessary. Use a tape measure to determine the thickness of the insulation. An R-49 value will have a thickness of 14.4 inches to 16.25 inches. Insulation with an R-60 value will have a thickness of 16–17 inches.
If your insulation is older, it may have become matted. A loss of thickness means it will no longer provide the intended protection.
Feel for Cold Spots
You can also use your sense of touch to detect insulation gaps. Run your hands along the seams to feel for cool air. This is a good way to find gaps that you missed while using your heat-loss thermometer.
If you come across a cool spot, inspect the seals. You might have loose insulation rolls that need replacing.
Another cause of this problem is poor installation. If the installer didn’t measure your attic correctly, you likely have more gaps between other rolls. Attic Projects can provide proper-fitting insulation that won’t leave you with hidden gaps.
Take a Close Look at Vents and Windows
Knowing how to insulate a home for winter is challenging in an attic with design obstructions. Multiple vents, windows, and exhaust ducts require greater attention to detail during any insulation installation. The installer must make sure the insulation is flush against the framework or flashing.
Look closely at the edges of frames and flashing. The insulation should completely cover the underlying wall, meaning you shouldn’t be able to see the underlying surface. If you spot any gaps, point them out to your installer. These areas will need to be covered with new insulation.
Check the Quality of Your Insulation
Looking for Insulation gaps doesn’t always mean finding empty or negative spaces. Even if an area has proper coverage, the existing insulation might no longer offer the intended protection.
The average lifetime of your insulation will vary based on the material. For example, cellulose insulation usually lasts for 20 years, while fiberglass insulation can last from 80 to 100 years.
Other factors can also shorten your insulation’s lifetime, regardless of its type. Moisture, humidity, and pests can all take a toll on your insulation. Regular inspections will help you identify damaged or eroded areas early. Make it a point to replace insulation that no longer performs as intended.
Look for Signs of Pest Damage
A variety of pests could seek shelter in your home. While this is more common in the fall or winter, some critters might set up a year-round nest in your attic. Insects and rodents are common, but you should also watch for signs that birds or reptiles have accessed the highest level of your home.
When examining your insulation, look for damage that these pests may have caused. To an animal or insect determined enough to burrow through your home’s siding, chewing through the insulation will be a simple task.
Pests won’t just destroy your insulation as a means of gaining access to your home — they’ll also use it for nesting. Look around the edges of each roll or sheet for missing pieces or gnaw marks.
Schedule an Attic Inspection
In most cases, a professional with years of insulation experience can identify issues you might miss. A professional inspection can uncover hidden gaps that cause energy loss and higher utility bills. An insulation specialist will have the equipment and expertise to discover installation errors that may be affecting your home’s energy efficiency.
An added benefit of getting a free inspection is that you can learn more about potential solutions on the spot. The professionals you work with can tell you how to seal gaps or fix installation errors. They may even be able to provide those services during the same visit.
Professional inspections can save you time and help you lower your energy costs right away. Even if you’ve already scouted for insulation gaps on your own, this can be a worthwhile advantage in protecting your home.
Prepare Your Attic to Get Ahead of Winter
Attic Projects offers industry-leading insulation installation services. If you don’t feel confident figuring out how to insulate home for winter, trust our professional team to do the job right. We always start with a free inspection, and we guarantee the lowest prices. Contact us today to schedule your service!