Under-Insulated Areas You May Be Overlooking

Staying Warm This Winter:
Under-Insulated Areas You May Be Overlooking

While we may all be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, winter’s not over yet! You still have to ensure your total comfort during the cold weather of the next couple of months, but it’s easy to overlook your home’s insulation. That’s where you’re going to get the most for your investment – keeping costs low while keeping comfort levels and energy efficiency high.
Inadequate insulation can really be felt in the winter and indeed all year round, leading to higher energy bills as well as internal damage. Here’s how to ensure your home remains protected from the elements for the rest of the season and beyond.

Common Areas That Are Overlooked

Many homeowners neglect to regularly check their insulation situation because it’s out of sight, out of mind. Usually the only time you think to check on your insulation is during a remodel or renovation project. Here’s a look at the areas of your home that are prone to lack of sufficient insulation.

Pipes

If you have uninsulated pipes, they can freeze if the temps dip low enough. Water in your pipes will turn to ice, which will expand and crack your pipes. Then, as the ice thaws, the water will leak out of those cracks and damage the rest of your home. Insulating your pipes is essential in cold climates.

Doors and Windows

Gaps around doors and windows usually feature weather stripping that keeps cold air from getting in and warm air from getting out. But weather stripping isn’t meant to last forever. It gets brittles, worn and cracked, losing its effectiveness over time. You will experience chilly drafts through those gaps, plus condensation can form which will lead to water damage and mold. Check your weather stripping once every winter and replace it if worn.

Outdoor Faucets

Just like your interior pipes, outdoor faucets can freeze in winter. If you don’t insulate the areas around the spout, ice expansion can occur. This leads to holes in your walls come the spring.

Attics and Basements

If you have holes or gaps in your insulation, this will keep your attic from trapping heat. If you fail to properly insulate your basement, this can lead to mold and mildew growth. You need to strike a good balance in these areas so you can get the proper temperature all year long.

Garages

You don’t have to insulate your garage, especially if you just use it for storing your car, lawn equipment and storage. But if you plan to use it as a craft room, man cave, office, play room or some other purpose, you will need to insulate it just like the rest of the house. If you don’t, temperature fluctuations will occur such as cold drafts and lots of condensation that will radiate through the entire property.

Vents and Ducts

Insufficient, old or damaged insulation in vents and ducts could send cold air into your home, while allowing heated air to escape. Now, your heating system has to work harder to stabilize the temperatures, costing you more money.

Crawlspaces

Poor insulation in these areas will bring cold drafts up through the floors, increasing the presence of moisture in the air.

Chimneys

Chimneys allows lots of drafts to get into your home, especially if they’re old and have cracks and gaps.

Ceilings

Uninsulated ceilings allow for cold drafts and moisture damage, not to mention the chance for pest infestation.

Contact Addict Insulation

Do you think you’ve overlooked some areas in your home when it comes to insulation? We can check it out for you and let you know what needs to be done for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Just contact your trusted insulation contractors in St. Charles and one in St. Louis.

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Under-Insulated Areas You May Be Overlooking