Homeowners may not realize that the tiny holes and gaps in their attic significantly impact their home’s energy efficiency. Although it is important to maintain continuous airflow in the attic to maintain the thermal equilibrium of your home, excessive air coming through various holes, gaps, and leaks can significantly increase your energy costs. If you are considering air sealing your attic, it may be the best decision you make to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
There are several major signs that indicate you need to seal your attic, including:
- Inconsistent temperatures between rooms
- Increased energy costs
- Ice dams forming on the roof
- A drafty attic
It is important to note that air sealing the attic can be a daunting task, but it can save you hundreds of dollars down the road when it’s done by professional roofers. With this blog post, we aim to help you improve the overall energy efficiency of your home and save you money on your energy bills. Keep reading to find out more!
What Is Attic Air Sealing?
Before we dive into the further details, let’s clarify what air-sealing an attic actually means. Air sealing is the process of sealing any gaps, cracks, or openings in the attic that could allow air to escape or enter the home. These openings hide behind the roof insulation and can occur around fixtures, vents, ducts, and the attic floor.
While continuous airflow within the attic is important for your home’s energy efficiency, air leaking through these gaps can lead to significant energy loss, which can subsequently cost you more on energy bills.
By sealing these areas, you can prevent heat from escaping during the winter and entering during the summer, thus improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Signs Your Attic Needs To Be Air Sealed
1. Higher Energy Bills
One of the most telling signs that your attic may need to be air-sealed is consistently high energy bills. If you notice a sudden increase in your utility bills, it could be a sign that your attic is not properly sealed.
2. Drafts or Uneven Temperatures
Another sign of air leaks in the attic is drafts or uneven temperatures throughout your home. If you feel temperature variance within your home, it may be due to air infiltration from the attic.
3. Visible Gaps or Cracks
If you notice visible gaps, cracks, or openings in your attic, you must air seal your attic. These openings tend to occur around fixtures, vents, ducts, and the attic floor. Using a flashlight, carefully examine the attic space for any spots where air leaks can occur. Use your hand and place it over the cracks to see if you detect a movement of air or a change in temperature.
4. Pest Infestations
Pest infestations in the attic can also indicate that air sealing is needed. Rodents, insects, and birds can enter your home through gaps and cracks in the roof, causing damage to insulation, wiring, and other components. If you notice signs of pests in your attic, it’s essential to seal off potential entry points to prevent further infestations.
5. Moisture Issues
It’s important to keep an eye out for moisture problems in the attic, such as condensation or mold growth. These issues could indicate air leaks that need to be addressed. When warm, moist air from inside the home enters the attic and meets cold surfaces, it can lead to the accumulation of moisture and related problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to inspect the attic for signs of moisture damage to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
The Importance of Air Sealing An Attic
1. Enhancing Energy Efficiency
A leaking attic can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and energy bills. When there are gaps or cracks in the attic, conditioned air from your HVAC system can escape, forcing your system to work harder to maintain a comfortable interior temperature during the summer. This not only leads to higher energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling equipment.
2. Preventing Moisture Issues
When warm, moist air from inside the home enters the attic and comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as the roof or attic insulation, it can lead to condensation and mold growth. By sealing off these entry points, you can reduce the risk of moisture-related problems and ensure a healthier indoor environment.
3. Enhancing Indoor Comfort
One of the most notable advantages of air-sealing an attic is the improved indoor comfort that comes with it. By sealing off any gaps or cracks in your attic, you can prevent any unwanted drafts and temperature inconsistency within your home.
This will help you maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout your home. This is particularly important for rooms located directly below the attic, which are more susceptible to extreme temperature changes if air sealing is not addressed.
How Air Sealing An Attic Can Save You Money
1. Reduce Energy Bills
Air sealing an attic can be a game-changer in terms of monetary savings. By properly sealing and insulating your home, you can help your heating and cooling system work more efficiently, resulting in significant energy savings over time. This means lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Moreover, when your HVAC system isn’t overworked, you can increase its lifespan and avoid pricey repairs or replacements. All in all, air sealing your attic space is a smart investment that benefits both your wallet and the planet.
2. Increase Property Value
Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, like air sealing your attic, not only helps you save on energy costs, but also increases the overall value of your property.
Nowadays, more and more buyers are looking for homes that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Having a well-sealed attic could be a significant selling point that could attract potential buyers. Additionally, homes with lower energy bills are often more desirable to buyers, which can result in a higher resale value.
Final Thoughts
Air sealing your attic can significantly reduce your overall energy costs. A properly sealed attic helps to balance the temperature inside your home, which provides you with peace of mind and saves you money on any damage that may occur due to air leaks along your roof and in your attic.
While sealing an attic may seem like a daunting task, it can be easily done by professional roofers, saving you a lot of money in the long run. Therefore, we highly recommend that homeowners only inspect and seal their attic with the help of professional roofers. They have the expertise and skills to complete the job successfully and ensure that your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient.
Full-Service Roofing Company In Tulsa, OK, For Your Attic And Roofing Needs
An attic that’s full of gaps in its roofing materials is like leaving the window open. It sucks in air from your home and pushes it outside, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, jacking up your energy bills. Plus, it’s a constant source of worry. That’s why it’s crucial to insulate your attic correctly and make any necessary repairs.
However, what may seem like a simple DIY chore can quickly turn into an overwhelming task. That’s why it’s best to trust the experts in the field.
Save yourself the hassle and money and turn to the pros at A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing in Tulsa, OK. Our team of roofers can tackle any roofing job, whether it’s insulating your attic or inspecting your roof. Call us today at (918) 402-7167 to speak to one of our roofing specialists.
