There are three sure fire ways to tell that your attic insulation is up to the task of keeping your home comfortable year round. Take a look at your attic insulation and see how your home compares to our list.
Your Insulation is CLEAN
Your insulation should be clean and free of debris, dirt, animal droppings and anything else that can affect its quality. In general your insulation should not have a smell. An odor could indicate that you have a moisture issue or a pest problem. Moisture can lead to microbial growth. This can negatively impact the air quality in your home.
If you notice any of these things or anything else that would make the performance of your blown in attic insulation less effective, it may be time to seek out a professional for an inspection.
Your Attic Insulation Covers Your Beams
Your attic insulation should cover the beams in your attic. There are different R values that are a standard in home building but the minimum to be up to code according to PIMA is R30. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, or the ability to prevent the transfer of heat. The larger the number, the harder that insulation is working at preventing heat conduction. The less heat loss, the lower your energy bills. R30 can be measured by a depth of 12.6 Inches. If your insulation isn’t measuring up, its time for an upgrade.
Your Insulation Covers Your Entire Attic
Your attic insulation should be one even layer throughout your attic space. Bare spots, mounds, or uneven coverage can lead to uncomfortable areas of your home that lose efficiency. Your attic should be a smooth layer of fluffy insulation throughout the attic space. If you have bare spots, you should call in an insulation specialist to install more insulation to fill in those areas. This is common in older homes and homes with additions.
