Attic insulation is probably not something you think of very often. It’s up there, it’s doing its job, and unless you are getting drafts or having some type of issue, it rarely crosses your mind. But did you know that old insulation is a leading cause of poor air quality in your home? At EZ Roof and Construction, we have insulated thousands of homes across Houston, and in doing so have helped many of those homeowners learn about the dangers of their older insulation. Here’s just a little bit of what we’ve learned to help save you some headaches and inform your decision to install new insulation in your home.
Outdated Attic Materials
Many homes older than ten years have fiberglass insulation in their attics. This type of insulation is laid down and is puffy and soft. Fiberglass attic insulation is made from very small glass fibers, and handling this type of insulation is tricky because of the glass fibers, and precautions need to be taken to ensure that the skin is not exposed to the insulation. The small glass fibers can irritate the skin and the eyes, and inhaling these glass fibers can lead to many health issues.
Mold and Mildew
Attics are a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. If you live in an area that has high humidity, you should check your attic often to ensure there isn’t any mold growth. Because of the toxicity of mold, you should call an attic professional to inspect the area. Our attic services include a free, no-obligation check of your attic. If left untreated, residents of the home can become very ill with respiratory infections, allergy symptoms, and a whole host of other issues. If you suspect you may have mold in your attic, contact a professional to assist.
Insulation Off-Gassing
Some insulation products are known to leak toxins into the air, which is called off-gassing. If you have insulation that contains toxins, and many insulations do, you could experience health problems. Two common toxins found in attic insulation are formaldehyde and asbestos. These types of toxins are now banned from being used, but many older homes still have this type of insulation in them. If you have an older home with old insulation, you may have these toxins still in your home.
Toxins from Pests
Pests in your attic insulation can produce a whole host of toxins. Bat and rodent urine and fecal matter are very toxic and can spread viruses to humans. Only a trained professional should try and remove the toxic waste and pests from your attic. Breathing in the air of the attic when you have a pest infestation can be highly hazardous to your health.
Benefits of Home Insulation
- Preserves Your HVAC Units. Having to replace your heater or air conditioner sooner than 10 years old puts an unnecessary strain on your wallet. When your home is well insulated, it has fewer air leaks that let in outside air. In the winter, this means the frigid air stays outside and your heater doesn’t have to work harder to keep your home toasty.
- Reduces Outside Noise. Insulation is excellent at preserving your home’s temperature, but it also prevents outside noise from easily getting into your home, such as the sounds of passing cars on your street or the barking of your neighbor’s annoying dog.
- Home Value. Even if you never turn around and sell it, your home will be as valuable as possible, which means it’s high-quality and thus nice to live in. Studies increasingly show that energy-efficient homes can go for a higher price because more people are understanding the long-term benefits, such as money savings and comfort.
Conclusion
New insulation can save you a lot of hassle when it comes to pests, mold, and toxic chemicals. The hundreds of dollars you save in energy month after month add up to a lot, but the peace of mind that you and your loved ones are sleeping soundly and safely is invaluable!
If you’re looking for more insulation information, contact the experts at EZ Roof and Construction. We’ll be more than happy to help you make the most of insulation today!
