3 Different Ways That Home Insulation Impacts Air Quality Indoors
When last did you think about your attic and the insulation that is present?
It might be keeping your house more comfortable in the way of stopping warmth from escaping over the winter months, and hot air from getting inside over the summer months. These are all positives. However, if it is contaminated and old, insulation that is no longer effective can have a negative impact on the air that you are breathing inside your home. It can even start to increase the health symptoms that you are currently experiencing.
Below are 3 different ways that old and ineffective insulation can negatively impact the quality of indoor air, which is more commonly known as IAQ or Indoor Air Quality, and how new insulation and attic-air sealing can help.
Mold Issues And Water Damage
Water is one of the main culprits when it comes to damages and mold growth. In fact, when your insulation is exposed to moisture it becomes useless.
Water lowers heat-resisting characteristics of cellulose and fiberglass insulation. Moisture also speeds up the growth of mold. Moldy and wet insulation that is left unattended can result in various symptoms for you and the other occupants in your house, such as:
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip and runny nose
- Wheezing and coughing
- Dry and itchy throat, nose, and eyes
- Nausea
- Dry skin
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
If you experience allergy-like symptoms at its worst as you get out of bed every morning, which seems to subside over the day while you are away from home, and then it returns as soon as you arrive home, you probably have a poor IAQ issue.
Pests
There are various pests like bats, birds, rats, mice, and different types of insects that are attracted to the fuzzy and warm insulation that is present in many attics. Once they have made a home in this area they deposit, urine, feces, along with other hazardous waste into the insulation in an attic.
These dangerous materials make their way into your ductwork and the air that you breathe. If you have started to notice this type of waste or you have heard these pests in the attic or your walls, you should call a professional and experienced pest removal expert immediately.
Once the insects and pests have been removed, you also need to get rid of the insulation which is now contaminated. From here all holes, cracks, and any other areas where pests or air can get inside the attic need to be sealed up.
From here, add a blanket of thick cellulose like TruSoft ™. These blankets are treated with a type of mineral that works on repelling insects and pests. This product also provides a more energy-efficient and comfortable home along with improved indoor-air quality.
Indoor Pollutants and VOCs
Were you aware that the EPA has estimated that air indoors contains contaminants that are between 2 to 5 times higher when compared to outdoor air? You would probably be shocked to find out what is present in the air that you are breathing, and where these contaminants come from.
You might know about a product known as Vermiculite Insulation, a product that contained asbestos. As insulation starts to break down or deteriorate, it starts to introduce VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and dust particles into the air. The sources of the more common VOCs found in homes include:
• Paint products and paints
• Household cleaners
• Wood preservatives in furniture and building materials
• Crafting and office supplies
All the above often make allergic reactions and allergy symptoms a lot worse, and this is especially true in the older homes.
The Solution – Upgrade Your Insulation And Air Seal Your Attic
Your health is only one of the reasons why you should be thinking about upgrading your insulation. When outdated fiberglass blown-in or batt insulation has started to break down to a degree that is now affecting the quality of your indoor air, it is also affecting the comfort levels that you are experiencing living inside this home.
We are here to assist you by removing ineffective, unhealthy, and old insulation, while air-sealing every opening and gap where moisture, air, and pests can enter. We are experts at installing insulation that will ensure your home is healthy, more comfortable while helping you to save money when it comes to your cooling and heating bills.