Carrying out your roofing and kitchen remodeling project sounds like an exciting prospect, but one must be familiar with the entire scope of their home and work to dispel any misconceptions. NorthWest Construction, the premier home improvement company in Maryland debunks some of the most common myths and misconceptions about attic insulation.
Myth #1: More Insulation, More Efficiency
Attic insulation plays an important role in increasing your home’s energy efficiency, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the more insulation you have, the better. Factors such as ventilation come into play as it regulates the heat and moisture circulating in your household. Having too much insulation could interfere with the air circulation and cause increased humidity that induces mold growth and a hotter temperature causing discomfort and poor air quality. The mold growth and accumulated heat could cause other parts of your home to expand and sustain substantial damage.
Myth #2: Vapor Barriers Trap Moisture
The vapor barrier is designed to prevent warm, moist, indoor air from entering the insulation system during the cold weather and condensing. Moisture residue inside a vapor barrier is commonly caused by a defective vapor barrier, or outdoor moisture seeping through the wall cavity. Also, a leaky siding can be another culprit. This myth causes people to pierce the vapor barrier that has trapped moisture without fully understanding the root of the problem. Make sure not to tamper with your vapor barrier as it ensures that your attic insulation works properly.
Myth #3: R-Values Reflect Real-World Performance
It is a rule of thumb that the higher the R-value is, the better the insulation. Although this holds true, there are other factors that come into play. The R-value ratings that were gathered during testing eliminated external factors such as air movement, which consequently have a great effect on the rating. You would be better off getting real-world readings from spray and rigid foam insulations.
Trust in NorthWest Construction for your bathroom remodeling and home improvement needs! Contact us at (313) 277-7676 or fill out our contact form for a free quote. We are GAF Master Elite-certified and have been in the roofing business since 2003. We serve Farmington Hills, Livonia and Canton, MI.