Protect Your Home and Wallet
The Importance of Attic Care in Texas
For many homeowners, the attic tends to be out of sight and out of mind. In Texas, it’s usually not until temperatures soar past 90 degrees that we begin to wonder if our home is properly insulated.
The wake-up call often comes in the form of a utility bill that’s double or triple what we’re accustomed to paying in the winter. However, what often gets overlooked is the escalating cost of ignoring these issues, which can grow significantly over time.
Common issues caused by high attic temperatures
Roof Damage
Excessive heat can cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate prematurely, reducing their lifespan and necessitating early replacement.
Wood Damage
Over time, a heat stressed attic will cause the wood to become brittle. Leading to cracked rafters and if left unchecked, can lead to major structural issues with the home.
HVAC Strain
An HVAC system located in the attic works overtime to combat extreme temperatures, leading to faster wear and potential breakdowns.
Higher Utility Bills
A heat stressed attic forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, driving up energy consumption and increasing your utility bills.
How do I know if I have a heat stressed attic?
Sapping
This occurs when excessive heat causes moisture in the wood to seep out as a sticky resin, potentially leading to wood damage and structural issues.
Cracked Rafters
Sapping leads to cracked rafters because the moisture released from the wood weakens the wood fibers, causing the rafters to become brittle and more prone to cracking or warping over time.
Exposed Floor Joists
Exposed floor joists in the attic signals an inadequate amount of insulation, allowing for energy loss and temperature issues.
A/C Always Running
If your AC is running all the time, it could mean your attic is poorly insulated, allowing heat to enter and forcing the system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which increases energy use and wear on the unit.
Why Insulation Alone Isn’t Enough in Texas
In Texas, attic insulation alone isn’t enough to handle extreme temperatures because it mainly helps slow down heat transfer, but it doesn’t address the intense radiant heat from the sun.
During the summer, attics can reach temperatures over 140°F, and without additional protection, the heat from the roof can easily transfer into your home, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
Why Insulation and Radiant Barriers Matter
A radiant barrier is a reflective material installed in the attic that reflects a significant portion of the heat away from the home, preventing it from entering the attic and reducing the cooling load on your HVAC system.
By adding a radiant barrier along with an adequate amount of insulation, you can significantly lower attic temperatures, improve energy efficiency, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Improve Comfort and Efficiency Today
Get a free in-home estimate today. There is no obligation to purchase anything during our visit.
Please fill out the form to schedule your estimate or call
(346) 592-5875 to speak with a SHS representative.
