It’s not often the first thing homeowners think about, but it’s important to remember that attic insulation is a primary defense against damage to a home’s roof. Insulation needs to be kept as up-to-date and intact as possible. Otherwise, it can significantly reduce the longevity of your roof as well as cause other problems in your home.
How can old, damaged, and improper insulation damage your home? These are the signs you need to replace your attic insulation.
Moisture Accumulation
Moisture from rain, snow, and humidity can become trapped in an attic without proper insulation. Moisture and dampness trapped under roofing materials quickly escalate and can damage your roof decking, leading to costly repairs down the road. Regular inspections are a must if you want to ensure that your home’s insulation is in top condition, so take the time to check it out and fix any issues that may arise.
Mold Growth
Mold growth can damage a home’s roof and lead to expensive repairs in the future. When insulation gets wet from condensation, it creates an environment perfect for mold spores to take root and multiply. Mold will quickly spread throughout walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces near the insulation. Roof decking should not be exposed to mold, as it will weaken long before its recommended lifespan is reached and may even cause roof collapse if left unchecked. Not addressing this issue promptly creates potential health hazards while also causing further damage to roofing materials.
Pest Damage
Pests like rodents, birds, cockroaches, and termites are attracted to warm, damp environments with plenty of food and shelter, which is what they get when a home’s attic is not adequately insulated. As the pest population grows, they tend to meddle with cables and pipes in the attic, often gnawing through them and causing issues such as water damage that can lead to expensive repairs. They may also weaken structural support beams and panels underneath the roofline, making them vulnerable to collapse during extreme weather conditions or due to natural wear and tear.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are caused when inadequate attic insulation allows heat to escape, causing the snow on your roof to melt and refreeze. The ice that freezes at the edge of the roof prevents additional melting snow from draining off, leading to ice dams. This can cause a buildup of pressure on your roof, which can overwhelm its structure, putting it at risk for structural damage or even collapse. Even further damage can be done as ice dams block rainwater gutters, causing water to pool onto other parts of your roof insulation since it can no longer travel down in its usual fashion. To prevent them from forming, it is essential to keep your attic properly insulated so that your roof stays cool throughout the winter.
Rotting Roof Decking
This occurs when the boards or joists of the roof insulation become soaked with moisture and humidity that accumulates over time due to inadequate insulation. This causes them to decay and rot, damaging the roof’s structural integrity. It can cause leaks in your home’s walls, compromising its structural integrity and leading to substantial repair costs. This makes it essential that you pay attention to your home’s insulation and fix any issues as soon as possible.
Need to check on the insulation in your attic? We can help. Get in touch with us today for a free roof and insulation quote.
