8 Insulation Checks Every Michigan Homeowner Should Make Before Winter

Michigan winters punish homes that are under insulated. Cold rooms, drafty hallways, and climbing utility bills are usually signs that something inside the walls or attic is falling behind. Before the temperature slides and the lake effect winds kick up, there are a few smart checks that can protect your comfort and save real money.

This guide breaks down the eight areas that matter most in Metro Detroit homes. These checks apply to ranches in Clinton Township, colonials in Shelby Township, and older homes in Warren and Royal Oak that struggle with inconsistent temperatures.

Look for Cold Spots on Exterior Walls

Walk your home with your hand along the outer walls. If you feel pockets of cold air or sudden temperature drops, it usually means the insulation inside the wall is thin or completely settled. Homes built before the late 1980s tend to have underperforming wall cavities. This is one of the biggest contributors to high winter energy bills across Oakland and Macomb County.

Check the Attic for Thin or Uneven Coverage

Your attic is your biggest line of defense against winter heat loss. Blown in insulation should look even and fluffy, not matted down. You want a depth that reaches modern R values, not the light dusting that many older Michigan homes still have. If you can see the tops of joists, your heat is escaping.

Inspect Around Recessed Lights

Recessed can lights often leak warm air into the attic. If you notice a ring of cold around these lights during winter, the insulation around them is either missing or poorly installed. This is a common problem in remodeled homes from the 90s and early 2000s and it sends conditioned air straight into the attic.

Examine Basement and Crawlspace Rim Joists

Rim joists are notorious cold spots in Michigan homes. They expand and contract with temperature swings, which creates gaps that let cold air pour inside. Spray foam in this area has one of the highest returns on comfort and energy savings. If your basement feels chilly even when the heat is on, this is usually why.

Feel for Drafts Around Windows and Doors

You do not need fancy tools for this. Run your hand along the edges of each window and door. If you feel any steady airflow, the warm air in your home is leaking out. Weatherstripping can help in mild cases but homes that have older framing or original windows often need deeper insulation upgrades to tighten the envelope.

Check the Garage Access Points

Many Michigan homes have a bonus room or primary suite built above the garage. These rooms are usually the coldest in the house. The problem almost always comes from poor insulation between the floor and the garage ceiling. A quick inspection can tell you if the insulation is sagging, loose, or missing altogether.

Look at Your Ductwork

If your ducts run through an unconditioned space like an unfinished basement, crawlspace, or attic, they need proper wrapping. Ducts that are left bare lose a huge amount of heat before the air even reaches your rooms. This is one of the fastest ways to lower your winter bills without touching your furnace.

Review Your Attic Ventilation

Good insulation is only half the story. Michigan homes need balanced attic ventilation so moisture can escape. Without proper airflow, insulation can get damp, heavy, and ineffective. Look for blocked soffits, clogged baffles, or signs of frost buildup. Moisture problems always show up in winter.

Why These Checks Matter in Michigan

Our freeze and thaw cycle is tough on building materials. Homes shift slightly over the years and that movement opens gaps that steal heat. Many houses across Oakland and Macomb County were built long before modern codes. A quick review each fall prevents winter repairs and makes the house feel warmer without cranking the furnace.

What Insulation Man Can Do for You

If any of the checks above raise concerns, Insulation Man can take the next step by running a full home energy assessment. We use thermal cameras to spot heat loss, measure insulation levels, and identify the gaps you cannot see. Michigan winters are long so tightening things up before the first hard freeze pays off fast.

To schedule an inspection or ask questions about upgrading your insulation before winter, visit insulatetosave.com or call (586) 421-4068.

RELATED FAQ'S

1. How can I tell if my attic insulation is too thin?

If you can see the tops of your joists, the insulation is too thin. Attics in older Michigan homes often have uneven or matted insulation that no longer meets modern R values. The surface should look level and fluffy. Anything lower than that allows heat to escape.

2. Why are the rooms above my garage always the coldest in winter?

Rooms built over garages lose heat through the floor when the insulation inside the garage ceiling is loose, sagging, or missing. This is common in Michigan homes with bonus rooms or primary suites above the garage. A quick insulation upgrade usually solves the problem.

3. What are the most common signs of poor wall insulation?

Cold spots on exterior walls, drafty hallways, and rooms that take longer to warm up are the biggest indicators. In many Oakland and Macomb County homes, wall insulation has settled over time or was never installed to current standards.

4. Is spray foam worth it for Michigan basements and crawlspaces?

Yes. Rim joists are one of the biggest sources of winter heat loss in Metro Detroit homes. Spray foam seals air gaps and stops cold air from spilling into the basement. It also adds structural stability and moisture resistance.

5. How do I know if my attic ventilation is working correctly?

Healthy attic ventilation keeps insulation dry and prevents frost buildup. Signs of poor ventilation include damp insulation, musty smells, ice near roof decking, or visible frost during cold spells. These issues get worse in Michigan due to freeze thaw cycles.