You might know that attic insulation is important but not understand why. Homeowners often overlook the link between attic insulation and roof lifespan. However, it can greatly affect roofing maintenance and a home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation is especially critical in Illinois’s cold, snowy winters.
It’s best to trust a professional with attic insulation, as careful installation is key to preserving roofing materials and protecting the home below from moisture and extreme temperatures. There are a few reasons why attic insulation is essential to homeowners.
Preventing Heat and Moisture Buildup
Because the roof experiences a constant onslaught of rain, snow, and UV radiation, it is essential to insulate the attic below to create an additional thermal barrier between the elements and the home below. The thermal barrier also prevents temperature extremes from warping or cracking roofing materials.
As temperatures sink in the winter, insulation prevents excess heat loss from homes and their attics.
If heat seeps out freely, it can melt the snow on the roof, creating a thawing and re-freezing cycle that results in ice dams. These can damage your roof and pose a safety hazard.
The loss of heat also means heating systems have to work harder to keep the home consistently warm. The result is higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. The inverse is true in the summer months when heat builds up without proper installation, spiking cooling bills and causing shingles to warp and deteriorate.
Insulation with proper ventilation also slows moisture buildup, preventing mold and mildew from growing.
What Does Proper Attic Insulation Entail?
The average R-value (a measure of insulation) for attics in Illinois is around R-49 to R-60. This higher value indicates heavier insulation to protect the roofing material from excess temperature fluctuations. A properly insulated attic means homeowners won’t notice higher-than-normal energy bills or spot damage on their roofs from preventable issues such as ice dams.
A poorly insulated attic jeopardizes the roof’s durability by causing additional temperature stress.
Homeowners may notice the following signs of poor insulation:
- Steady increases in energy bills, particularly during the coldest and hottest months
- Mold or mildew in the attic or on the home’s interior walls and ceilings
- Ice dams forming at the eaves of the roof, impacting gutter function and causing damage to shingles.
- Temperature inconsistencies throughout the house, especially on the upper floors nearest the roof
- Visible gaps in the insulation layers of the attic
- Noticeable drafts and excess condensation around windows
At the first sign of poor insulation, it is important to contact a local roofing professional to investigate the attic. Avoid waiting out either a hot summer or a freezing winter with inadequate insulation, as the resulting temperature fluctuations can damage shingles and increase energy bills. A poorly insulated home is uncomfortable because it can’t be cooled or heated consistently.
Solidify Your Attic With Sundown Exteriors
Sundown Exteriors offers exceptional customer service and reliable workmanship, making us the perfect partner for your next roofing project.
Our experienced team serves residents of Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, and Peoria, IL. Whether you need assistance with storm damage repair or want to install a brand-new roof with energy efficiency in mind, count on our expert contractors to help.
We can also provide more detail on the relationship between attic insulation and roof lifespan. This simple part of home care is critical for Illinois residents because of the state’s wide temperature variations and frequent precipitation.
Call 309-275-6801 to start planning your roofing remodel today. Let our skilled team provide you with a seamless experience from start to finish!