Have you ever thought of building as a type of artwork? If you were to interact with a few construction workers or contractors, and then talk to them about their work, you might come to see it this way. Designing and building a whole structure requires some sort of artistic intellect. It might be a different sort of artistry than one would use to create a painting or a drawing, but it is art nonetheless.
On this blog, we are going to write about construction and contractors. We aim to do that from a range of perspectives, which should keep things interesting.
Concerns about rising energy costs and how they will affect the average household are causing many homeowners to look for ways to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool their homes. Since insulation is known to help increase the efficiency of most structures, beefing up the amount of insulation in the home can be an excellent idea. While the amount of insulation in the walls of the home can be difficult to modify, most homeowners can easily increase the amount of attic insulation, if they need to do so.
Homeowners who are unsure of whether they should consider adding more attic insulation can use the following information to help them make the right decision.
Signs of temperature differences in the surface of the ceiling
One of the first signs that attic insulation is insufficient is when the ceilings inside the home feel damp or cold to the touch in winter. If the attic has sufficient insulation, the ceiling should feel warm and dry because the outside air is unable to reach the ceiling and create cool surface temps or cause feelings of dampness due to condensation.
Signs of wet or damaged insulation
If any of the existing attic insulation has become wet or damaged, replacing it will likely be necessary to achieve a well-insulated home. Exposure to water, rodent activity or compression from heavy items or foot traffic can all result in a reduced insulation value. Removing ruined or damaged attic insulation and replacing it with a sufficient amount of new insulation can reduce home heating and cooling costs while also resulting in a more comfortable home environment.
Signs of temperature differences inside the home
If the heat produced by the furnace is able to escape through the ceiling because of insufficient insulation in the attic, homeowners may find that areas inside their home experience noticeable differences in interior temperatures, even when the thermostat settings are kept at the same level. Homeowners may also find that their home feels drafty as air currents are drawn toward the ceiling of an improperly insulated home.
Additionally, insufficient attic insulation can cause heating and cooling bills to continue to increase over time, even when the furnace and air conditioning system was selected for its energy efficiency ratings. Replacing damaged attic insulation or adding additional insulation to homes with insufficient amounts is one of the best investments homeowners can make in their quest for greater efficiency and lower utility costs.
To learn more, homeowners should take time to discuss their current attic insulation situation with a residential insulation contractor in their area.