Roughly nine out of 10 houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation. This can result in several issues—from heat loss in the winter to roofing damage. How are you supposed to know when your property has this problem? Besides talking to a general contractor, be on the lookout for the following.

How to Tell If Your Home Needs Replacement Insulation 

1. Rising Energy Bills 

If your utility bills are far higher than they should be for no discernible reason, inadequate insulation may be to blame. Without a thick, protective barrier, your home will let in hot outdoor air in the summer and chilly air in the winter, as well as let HVAC-treated air escape. As a result, your heating and cooling unit will have to work that much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can shorten the system's life span.

2. Growing Ice Dams

If large icicles form along the edge of the roof each winter, the insulation in the attic isn’t doing its job. Because heat rises, the attic tends to get warm during the winter months. If it’s poorly insulated, this warmth will melt the snow on your shingles.

Once the melted precipitation reaches the edge of the roof, where it’s much colder, it refreezes, forming what’s called ice dams. Since these dams inhibit drainage, they can cause roof damage if left unchecked.

3. Fluctuating Temperatures 

If some of the rooms in your home are a lot colder than others, their insulation may be failing. Excluding issues with the HVAC system, a properly insulated structure should not have any areas that feel dramatically different than the rest of the house. Thankfully, if your home does have “cold zones,” you should not have to replace the insulation throughout the entire house—only the affected areas. 

If your home could use some new insulation, turn to Pepco Construction LLC. Operating out of Cecil, WI, this general contractor has been serving clients across Shawano County since 1986. A locally owned and operated business, they’re committed to providing exceptional work with superior results for affordable rates. To request a quote for high-quality closed cell spray foam insulation from these contractors, call (715) 745-2119. Visit the website for more on their services.