Fort Collins Homeowners: How to Identify Outdated Insulation in 7 Easy Steps
Updated: 11/11/2024
As a homeowner, you are responsible for knowing what kind of insulation is in your home. Knowing the condition of your insulation is crucial since you may need an insulation replacement for old or worn-out insulation. Replacing your insulation allows for optimum indoor temperature regulation, comfort, reduced energy costs, and energy efficiency.
Continue reading this article from Ascend Construction to know how you can identify the kind of insulation you have in your home and how a professional insulation company can help you with your insulation issues.
7 Ways To Check Your Colorado Home For Outdated Insulation
Contents
- 7 Ways To Check Your Colorado Home For Outdated Insulation
- Factors That Affect The Lifespan of Insulation
- Why You Need to Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
- Tips on Choosing a Reputable Insulation Company
- Home Insulation FAQs
- How do I know if my home is losing energy because of poor insulation?
- What types of insulation are best suited for Fort Collins’ climate?
- Is there a way to test insulation without cutting into the walls?
- Can outdated insulation impact my indoor air quality?
- What should I do if my insulation contains asbestos?
- Conclusion
- Contact Ascend Construction for Trusted Insulation Services in Fort Collins, Colorado
Below, we discuss some practical ways to check for outdated insulation.
1. Touch Test
During cold weather, the interior walls, ceilings, and floors of the home should remain dry and warm. Otherwise, your home may be underinsulated or have old insulation that can no longer keep the interior spaces warm. Go outside and touch the exterior walls as well. If your insulation is doing a good job keeping all the warm air inside the home, exterior walls should remain cold.
2. Insulation Color Check
New insulation is often white, yellow, or pink and should be intact. It needs to be updated if your insulation is discolored, gray, powdery, or torn.
3. Indoor Temperature Checks
If your furnace is on full blast but you still have cold rooms, poor or absent insulation could be the culprit. Heat can escape from rooms that are not or are poorly insulated. Check for cold rooms, cold floors or walls, and cold drafts.
Don’t Let Outdated Insulation Affect Your Comfort. Call Ascend Construction for expert insulation installation in Fort Collins.
4. Inspect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes in winter could mean that your exterior walls are not properly insulated. Crawl spaces are often overlooked when installing insulation, which means they may not be insulated or have outdated insulation that needs to be replaced.
5. Visual Inspection of Baseboards and Wall Cavities
There are various levels of visual inspections for insulation. The easiest way is to remove the cover of electrical switches and look at the corners to see signs of insulation between the walls. If you can, remove the electrical box and look into the wall cavity. This is an excellent way to determine the thickness of your existing insulation.
The recommended insulation thickness is around 270mm, so a tape measure is used to determine the thickness. A visual inspection is one way to determine if there are no gaps where heat can escape. Take measurements in between joists to determine the width of the insulation needed. Other areas you can access for visual inspection are behind the baseboard or by cutting a hole in a part of the wall that is not easily seen, like behind a cupboard.
However, the best approach is to hire a professional insulation company to assess the condition of your home insulation. Using their trained eye, they can determine if you require more insulation.
6. Ice Dams
Poor insulation can cause ice dams in winter. This happens when heat rising from your home melts the bottom layer of snow on the roof, causing water to trickle down to the gutters. If you see large chunks of ice in the gutters in the winter, it is time to check the insulation in your ceilings and lofts.
7. Professional Insulation Inspection
If you do not have the means to thoroughly examine your home’s insulation, call a reputable insulation company. They can professionally inspect your existing insulation and recommend ideal insulation options based on your heating and cooling needs.
Ensure Your Home Is Energy-Efficient Year-Round! Call us to schedule an insulation inspection with Ascend Construction now.
Factors That Affect The Lifespan of Insulation
Common types of insulation like spray foam, wrap tape, and house wrap can last for 80 years. Cellulose, rock wool, foamboard, and loose-fill insulation can last up to 100 years. However, your home’s insulation can be compromised if it encounters water damage, mold, or mechanical damage because of a fire, storm, etc. It is a good idea to replace insulation when it begins to wear out or when damage is so extensive that the insulation no longer works.
Why You Need to Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Old, thinned-out, or damaged home insulation can directly raise your heating or cooling bills. If your home’s insulation is damaged or moldy, failing to opt for an insulation replacement can pose health and safety risks to anyone living in it. It is important to note that outdated insulation can contain asbestos, which has been found to be carcinogenic and should be professionally removed.
Apart from safety concerns, updated insulation naturally results in a more comfortable indoor temperature in summer or winter. Homes with updated insulation have better thermoregulation, so you don’t need to overwork your furnace or cooling systems. Updated insulation can also prevent noise pollution. If you live in an area where there is considerable outdoor noise day or night, the proper insulation can help reduce noise levels.
When you update your insulation, you also prevent condensation and mold growth inside the home. Balanced temperature regulation reduces drastic changes in humidity that encourage mold growth. This is good not only for overall health but also for maintaining the structural integrity of your walls.
Unless you live in a newly constructed house, your insulation may be outdated and should be replaced. Even if your insulation is intact, older types of insulation are not as energy efficient as their newer counterparts, which makes an update reasonable, especially if energy savings is a priority for you.
Get in touch with your insulation professionals today to know more about how you can update the insulation in your home.
Tips on Choosing a Reputable Insulation Company
To find a reliable insulation company, look for experience and expertise. Ensure they are licensed and certified and specialize in the type of insulation you need. Reading online reviews and asking for references can give you insight into their customer satisfaction.
Make sure to get detailed, written quotes and inquire about warranties for both materials and workmanship. A reputable company should also have excellent customer service and follow safety protocols, especially when dealing with older materials like asbestos.
Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation with Ascend Construction! Contact us today for a free consultation and start saving on energy costs.
Home Insulation FAQs
How do I know if my home is losing energy because of poor insulation?
One way to detect energy loss is by monitoring your energy bills over time. A sudden spike in heating or cooling costs could indicate that your insulation is no longer efficient. You can also use a thermal imaging camera to spot cold areas in your walls or ceilings.
What types of insulation are best suited for Fort Collins’ climate?
For the colder winters and warm summers in Fort Collins, consider fiberglass batts or spray foam insulation, which provide excellent thermal resistance and can seal gaps where heat might escape.
Is there a way to test insulation without cutting into the walls?
Yes! An infrared or thermal camera is one effective way to check for insulation without causing damage. This device shows areas of heat loss, indicating where insulation might be lacking or failing.
Can outdated insulation impact my indoor air quality?
Absolutely. Over time, old insulation can degrade, potentially releasing particles like dust, mold spores, or even harmful substances like asbestos into your home’s air, leading to respiratory issues or allergies.
What should I do if my insulation contains asbestos?
If your home has insulation that may contain asbestos, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a licensed asbestos removal professional who can safely handle and dispose of the hazardous material.
Conclusion
As homeowners, maintaining proper insulation is critical to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Outdated insulation can lead to higher energy costs, uneven temperatures, and even health risks. Regularly checking or professionally inspecting your insulation ensures it performs optimally.
When it’s time for an insulation replacement, a reputable contractor can provide the expertise and service needed for a successful installation. Taking action now will help enhance your home’s comfort, reduce energy bills, and improve indoor air quality year-round.
Experience Improved Comfort And Lower Energy Bills. Get professional insulation replacement services from Ascend Construction by calling us today!
Contact Ascend Construction for Trusted Insulation Services in Fort Collins, Colorado
When it comes to air sealing and insulation upgrades, choosing a provider that offers both expertise and competitive pricing is essential. Ascend Construction stands out for its comprehensive range of services, including insulation removal and installation, air sealing, energy audits, and whole-house fan installations.
Opt for Ascend Construction for unmatched service that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, establishing a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.
Reach out to Ascend Construction today for a free consultation. Our team will assess your home’s needs and provide effective, budget-friendly solutions. We’re proud to offer high-quality service backed by a guarantee.
Click here or use the button below to contact us and schedule your no-obligation, in-home consultation.
Ascend Construction
301 S Howes St #1241
Fort Collins, CO, 80521
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