Why Your Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan Needs Proper Insulation
Is your roof protecting your home as it should? When homeowners get asked this question they often quickly turn to thinking about a leaking roof that causes damage to your home. But there are many problems that can be happening on your roofing in Grand Rapids Michigan that isn’t just a roof leak. One of the biggest problems that you may not think about is the insulation that is in your attic and roof. Having proper insulation installed in your home is a great way to keep your energy costs down and keeping your home more comfortable. Here are some tips to help you better understand what you can do to make sure your insulation is performing as it should on your home.
Why Your Roof in Grand Rapids Michigan Needs Proper Insulation
Insulation is a major part of your home that often gets overlooked. Much like walls and your roof work to keep the elements out, insulation works to keep the inside and outside temperatures separated. Walls, doors and windows all need insulation. But a roof needs it just as much. If you aren’t convinced that insulation is needed in your roof and attic, consider all the things that happen without it.
Heat Loss
Hot air rises, making it inevitable that your home’s heat will move further up. As hot air rises, it not only makes it cooler in your living area, but can trap in in your attic. With proper insulation in your attic, this traveling of heat can be slowed down. But without insulation in your roof as well, you can end up losing heat completely out of your home. That means your money used to heat your home can be going right out your roof.
Heat Gain
If you have dark colored roof coverings, the color can absorb the heat from the sun’s rays. When this heat is absorbed, it then travels down into your attic. With proper insulation in your roof, this heat absorption can be blocked, allowing you to better regulate your home’s temperatures. But without the insulation, you can also have an incredibly hot attic, with an increased chance of humidity and moisture damage like mold if there is any moisture getting in.
Increased Chance of Roof Leaks
If you live in an area where you get snow during the winter, you know that snow can stay on your roof for quite a while. But without a proper insulation barrier in your roof, the warm temperatures inside your home can heat your roof and melt the snow on it. With the temperatures outside being cold, the melted snow can then freeze, creating an ice dam. This can damage your roof covering, especially if you have shingles, allowing a place for moisture to get in.
More Money Towards Energy Bills
Without proper insulation, you can expect to pay much more than you should be paying on your monthly heating and cooling costs. With basic roof insulation, you can expect to save an average of 15% on your heating bills at least. This not only helps you save money, but makes your home more energy efficient, which is better for the environment.
Shorter HVAC Lifespan
Your HVAC system has to work much harder to make up for a lack of insulation. This means you are more likely to run into issues that need repairs, as well as greatly reduce how long you can expect the system to last. With insulation in your roof, you can use your HVAC less and avoid having to crank it up so high when temperatures are in flux.
More Noise Pollution
Insulation also allows you to create a greater barrier against noise, meaning that noise from outside is less likely to get in, and noise from inside is less likely to get out. If you live in a loud area, especially one with frequent air travel overhead, you will want roof insulation.
Need an Inspection on Your Roof?
If you’re concerned about how well your roof is performing and whether it has the right insulation or not it’s best to get a roof inspection on your home. At Grand Rapids Home Pros we offer roof inspections that are done by an experienced roofer. Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection on your home in Grand Rapids Michigan.
