As the chill of Michigan winters begins to fade and the spring thaw begins, you may be thinking of all the house projects and tasks you’ll soon start. This year, make sure to add “check attic insulation” to the top of your list. Spring is the ideal time to for this often overlooked, yet vitally important task.
Reasons to Update Attic Insulation in Michigan
What’s so important about attic insulation and why check it now?
Thanks to our notorious climate of extreme temperature shifts, from bone-chilling winters to sweltering summers, your home’s insulation plays a vital role in keeping your indoor environment comfortable year-round. By inspecting and updating your attic insulation now, you can preemptively address any inefficiencies and avoid skyrocketing energy bills when the summer heat hits.
Insulating every part of your home is important. Your attic is especially so because that’s where most of your home’s energy waste occurs due to a lack of insulation and air sealing.
What to Look for in Your Michigan Attic
Thankfully, your attic is an easy place to visit and visually check its insulation. When inspecting your attic, first keep an eye out for signs of settling and gaps in your insulation. Over time, your home insulation can compress or shift, leaving vulnerable areas that compromise its effectiveness. Be sure to check around attic access points, pipes, wires, and the edges of the attic floor for any indications of gaps or settling.
Next, be on the hunt for moisture damage. Be sure to check your roof deck for any signs of water damage that can appear as wet areas or dark areas that have been stained by water. Our damp spring weather can easily lead to moisture issues in your attic which can lead to mold growth. Mold growth on your
insulation is a red flag, signaling potential moisture damage and degradation of insulation quality. If you see signs of moisture or mold, address these problems quickly to prevent further damage and maintain a healthy living environment.
Lastly, check your home’s attic insulation level because the depth of your insulation makes a difference in its effectiveness. Research the recommended R-value (insulating power) for your specific location in Michigan and compare it to the depth of your current insulation. This can easily be done with a measuring tape or ruler. If your attic falls short of the recommended R-value, consider adding more insulation to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Tips for Michigan Homeowners
Start with a DIY inspection to identify obvious issues with your attic insulation. Look for all the signs we mentioned above: settling, gaps, moisture damage, and inadequate insulation depth. While a basic inspection is an ideal preliminary check and can reveal some issues, it’s always best to seek professional help for a comprehensive evaluation, especially if you suspect significant problems.
When it comes to the final step of adding insulation, consider the insulation type best suited for our Michigan climate. Blown-in cellulose insulation is a popular choice for Michigan attics due to its ability to conform to irregular spaces and provide excellent thermal performance. Another favorite is blown-in fiberglass insulation, that can be added on top of existing insulation to create a complete thermal blanket.
Whether you opt for cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, or spray foam insulation, be sure to prioritize proper installation techniques to maximize your energy savings and comfort. Trusting the job to a professional insulation company is the best way to guarantee peace of mind that your insulation is installed safely and efficiently.
Stay Comfortable During Every Season
Taking charge of your attic insulation this spring is a proactive step toward maintaining a comfortable and energy efficient Michigan home. Don’t let fluctuating temperatures and high energy costs dictate your comfort levels. Consult with a local insulation contractor or energy advisor, such as Whitson Insulation Company, for specific recommendations tailored to your area and enjoy the benefits of a well insulated home year-round.
At Whitson Insulation Company, we’ve been providing insulation solutions to our Grand Rapids community since 1978. We’ve grown to be one of the largest insulation companies in the West Michigan area thanks to our dedicated team of insulation experts and loyal customers. We pride ourselves on a job well done and local homeowners and builders know they can trust us to put them first.
We’re here to help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency with proper insulation and air sealing for every part of your home, including attics, exterior walls, and crawl spaces. Contact us today to take the first step towards a more energy efficient home and lower energy costs.