Home inspections are conducted for more peace of mind than to make sure the lights work, the toilets flush, and the roof looks healthy. There are many primary points of a home that is naturally inspected, but there are even more subtleties. Visible insulation is often included as it is necessary to make the home more energy efficient. Today, we at JMark Inspections would like to list the common issues found in the attic insulation.

Mold & Mildew Growth in & Behind Insulation

One of the most common issues found with the insulation is it has mildew and mold growth. Water absorbs into traditional forms of insulation like fiberglass and cellulose, especially when the home doesn’t have an adequate vapor barrier and there are leaks. When the mold growth develops, it can prove a health risk to those exposed to it as well accelerate deterioration on surrounding structural materials.

Nesting Pests & Rodents in Insulation

Homeowners are usually none the wiser when a number of pests are nesting in your fiberglass or cellulose insulation, and it would take some time to notice. The unfinished attics are not usually visited much, the rats, mice, squirrels, bats, and other pests are using the attic for refuge from weather, looking for food, or a convenient place to nest. If you believe you hear them or seen activity or evidence of their intrusion, contacting a reputable pest control is essential to maintain your family’s health and avoid property damage. Doing everything you can to avoid pest infestations better protects your insulation. Getting the home properly sealed, remove food by staying on top of housekeeping, keeping the food sealed in airtight containers, and ensure the lids on the trash can are secure. After pest control has eliminated the pests, be sure to inspect the insulation and ensure it is still in health condition.

Poor Insulation Distribution

Traditional insulation can easily drift and be uneven distribution can compromise the performance of the insulation. This can leave your attic insulation with a lower R-Value and prone to air movement, causing the contribution to high energy bills and an uncomfortable home because over time the fiberglass and cellulose can drift or settle. Air movement in the home can be produced when the insulation is improperly installed it is not evenly distributed. By either adding more insulation or raking the insulation already in the attic, the blown cellulose and fiberglass must be regularly maintained. Many homeowners prefer the other options for insulation such as the spray foam to minimize the maintenance and it does not settle or lose its shape over time.

Blocked Vents

Efficient ventilation is essential when it comes to traditional insulation. The airflow becomes restricted with the vents that lead from the attic become blocked, allowing the insulation to also be exposed to moisture that lead to mold and mildew growth. Make sure that during your maintenance that the cellulose and fiberglass insulation in the attic is not blocking the vents. To eliminate the risk of blocking the vents, you can use insulate the roof deck with spray foam insulation.

Residential & Commercial Inspections in Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Conroe, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

When trusting in JMark Inspections, you can count on us doing a thorough inspection and evidence that points to the visible insulation being compromised is documented in the report. Contact us today!