That July heat in Midlothian, TX is very strong, and your home Insulation bears the brunt of it year after year. If you recently put in fiberglass or mineral wool batts, you want your Insulation to last. Here is what you need to know about keeping your Insulation batts in top shape without making a bigger project out of it than necessary.
How to Make Your Insulation Batts Last
Batt Insulation relies entirely on its loft, which is that fluffy thickness that traps air. The second your Insulation gets compressed or soaked, it loses its punch. When you are up in the attic storing holiday bins, watch where you step. Do not crush the Insulation batts down over the ceiling joists. If you have got storage up there, build raised platforms so the Insulation underneath keeps its breathing room.
Moisture is the real enemy around here in Midlothian, TX. Our North Texas humidity combined with sudden temperature swings can spell trouble if your attic is not venting right. Make sure your soffit vents are not blocked by Insulation pushed too far into the eaves. Alpha Insulation sees that mistake all the time in Midlothian.
What Regular Maintenance Looks Like
You do not need to climb up into the attic every week. Once or twice a year is plenty for your Insulation. Pick a cool morning before the attic turns into an oven and take a flashlight with you to check your Insulation.
- Look for sagging or falling Insulation batts between wall studs or floor joists.
- Check for any dark dust streaks on the paper facing, which usually means air is leaking past the Insulation.
- Inspect your roof penetrations and flashing for any signs of water drips that could wet your Insulation.
- Ensure critters have not made a nest in the corners of your Insulation.
Warning Signs That Trouble is Brewing
Your walls and ceilings will usually tell you when something is off with the Insulation long before you look at it. If your electric bill spikes out of nowhere in August, or if one room in the house feels like a sauna while the living room is freezing, pay attention to your Insulation. Musty smells point straight to trapped moisture in your Insulation. If you spot water stains on the drywall, your Insulation batts in that spot are likely soaked and ruined.
When to Call a Professional
Some things you can handle yourself, like stapling up a loose corner of kraft paper facing on your Insulation. Other times, you need backup. If you find a massive mold colony, if a roof leak soaked half your attic Insulation, or if the Insulation batts have settled so much that half your framing is exposed, call Alpha Insulation for Insulation work in Midlothian, TX. Alpha Insulation will come out and get your home sealed up right so you can stop wasting energy.