How to Know if Your Home Is Insulated Enough

Insulation: we use it in travel mugs and coats to keep what we need to warm, and we use it in our walls, attics, and more to do similarly. Insulation is a wonderful thing, and without it, families would be left to freeze during cold Iowa nights, or at least deal with sky-high heating bills!

That being said, if your home is on the chilly side, adding more insulation might not be the solution; in fact, in some cases, this can actually be detrimental and lead to struggles with humidity and mold.

Haggerty Windows & Siding, as your preferred insulation contractors, replacement window specialists, and more wants to see your family warm and safe this winter season. Below, we’ll dive into the nooks and crannies of insulating a home and help you pinpoint if a lack of insulation is really to blame for your home’s unusual chilliness.

Check the Physical Condition of Your Insulation

If your home’s a little nippy, your insulation might just be unable to do its job. You might not need more insulation, per se, but simply to replace the stuff you have. For example, a simple roof leak can dampen insulation over time, resulting in a failure to hold heat in and thus allow for a cold home.

While it might be impossible to check on all your insulation (unless you fancy cutting a hole in the wall or purchasing an expensive thermal camera) your attic is a great place to start when it comes to assessing if your current insulation is working. Up there, stuff should be dry and free of slimy or dark-looking smudges.

Are Your Windows Drafty?

Since windows populate pretty much every room of your home, it’s important to make sure that they’re airtight. Not only are drafty windows a major contributor to high energy bills, but they’re also an issue that adding more insulation can’t fix; you’ll need a window contractor for that one.

Before pointing a finger at your home’s insulation, check your windows for drafts or broken seals, and check out The U.S. Department of Energy's article on how to do just that, as well as where else to look for drafts.

Do Your Walls Feel Cold in the Winter?

Your walls and drywall should be warm and dry, even in the winter. So, if you touch them and notice they are somewhat damp or cold, this is a sign that the installation isn't doing its job. While it might not seem like that big of a deal, you could be losing money on your electric bill.

While cold walls might be somewhat of a cause for concern, you should be especially worried about damp feeling walls or drywall. This is a major sign of water damage, so you’ll want to get in touch with a siding contractor for assistance.

Uneven Room Temperatures: A Sign to Consider

Though this can also be caused by anything from drafty windows to heat’s natural rising tendencies, it can also be a signal that somewhere your insulation is ailing. If your home is toasty in some areas but chilly in others, don’t just plug in a space heater; look into your insulation, among other things.

The Whole House Isn’t Staying Warm Enough in the Winter

Whether it's due to air leaks or overall older insulation, noticing colder temperatures inside during the winter might mean you need an insulation upgrade. You may wonder why your heater is having to work overtime, and you may be paying more for your utilities than you used to.

Luckily, you can contact the experts at Haggerty Windows & Siding for assistance. We will figure out if it's a siding or insulation issue and then offer replacement services.

Haggerty Windows & Siding: Your Preferred Urbandale Roofing Contractors, Siding Company, and More

Tired of dealing with uneven temperatures or cold rooms? If your home is on the chilly side, we have the expertise needed to pinpoint the problem and protect your family and belongings. Give our Urbandale office a call today at 515-953-6999.