In areas like Missouri, where winters are too cold and summers are too hot, insulation of homes and workplaces plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. It also allows you to reduce energy consumption, helping you save a few bucks every year. However, you may face a few insulation problems every now and then.
While insulation problems are quite common, they cannot always be fixed with DIY techniques. You may need to call a reliable insulation contractor like West County Insulation to identify the issue and fix it properly. Some of these common problems include the following:
Moldy Insulation
When the existing insulation at your home or workplace is exposed to moisture, it can lead to mold growth. This usually occurs in an area that has suffered significant moisture damage. If the insulation remains wet for too long, it may allow air to move freely, making the home too cold or too hot. Additionally, mold spores can spread through an HVAC system if the place is not properly insulated.
The Solution: To fix this problem, you need to hire professional contractors to get rid of the mold first. Next, they will use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area and seal it to prevent further mold growth. Finally, they will remove the moldy insulation and replace it with new, mold-resistant insulation.
Air Leaks and Drafts
If there are gaps or cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings, they can lead to uncomfortable drafts and air leaks. As the space’s insulation is compromised, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature of the room. This generally leads to higher energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures.
The Solution: To fix the issue, you need to identify the source of air leaks or drafts. You can seal these gaps or cracks with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping. While you may be able to do it yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional to do it. Fixing this problem will improve the efficiency of insulation and help you reduce energy bills.
Pest Infestation
Pests such as rodents and insects can damage insulation by nesting there and feeding on the materials. This usually results in gaps and holes in the insulation, reducing its effectiveness due to air leaks. Such pests can also cause hazards to health and safety.
The Solution: The first step to fix this problem is to seal the entry points for the pests, blocking them from accessing the insulation. Then, proceed to remove the contaminated insulation and dispose of it properly. Since it is a lot of work, you can hire a team of professionals to take care of the problem.
Too Much Insulation
Although people often complain about a lack of insulation, excess insulation is also a common problem. Too much insulation in your home or workplace can affect the energy efficiency of the space. It is also not environmentally friendly and can increase the risk of mold growth. Excess insulation does not help reduce energy bills and also causes uneven heating or cooling.
The Solution: You need to identify the areas with too much insulation and remove them. Replace them with more suitable insulation materials. Since many people treat insulation as a DIY project, they often choose the materials readily available in the market, leading to this problem. Always consult a professional insulation expert before getting any insulation work done at home or the workplace.
Settling or Compression of Insulation Materials
Over time, some types of insulation materials may settle or compress, reducing their efficiency. While this may occur due to gravity, weather factors such as changes in temperature and humidity levels can also contribute to this problem.
The Solution: You need to conduct regular inspections of your insulation to identify the areas where the insulation is settling or getting compressed. You can simply replace the settled and/or compressed insulation with new, high-performance insulation materials. This solution can improve the thermal efficiency of the area. Again, it is better to get the work done by professionals, as they are skilled at identifying problems and replacing the insulation.
Conclusion
Even though insulation work may seem like a DIY project, it requires a particular set of skills and knowledge. A majority of the insulation-related problems stem from poor installation work, the wrong choice of material, and inadequate sealing. If you want to keep your home or workplace comfortable and keep the energy consumption in check, it is important to get professional assistance to identify potential problems in your insulation and get them fixed.
