Improperly installed insulation loses its R-value. For example, fiberglass can lose up to 50 percent of its prescribed R-value when compressed.
Therefore, insulation whose thickness changes for any reason over the years of use will see a decrease in its R-value, thus reducing its insulation effectiveness, and in exceptional cases, dropping to zero.
However, insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts well over a decade ago, it might be time for an inspection or a home energy audit.
Insulation over 20 to 25 years should be replaced. Yours is over 50 years. It's useless, replace it. You should also check your walls to see if they have insulation.
Insulation needs to have room to expand to its full size to be effective, so the old definitely needs to be removed. Not to mention the old stuff is full of dust, probably some rodent excrement, and who knows what else that has accumulated in your attic over the years, so that's another reason to get rid of it.
Benefits of Replacing Your Attic Insulation
Enhanced energy efficiency: New insulation can help reduce energy costs by improving your home's ability to mitigate thermal transfer. Indoor air quality: You can improve the air quality in your home by removing old insulation that may harbor mold, dust or allergens.
Despite the recycling issues, fiberglass is still a good choice because it is created mostly from recycled materials. It lasts for decades, and the insulation can be completely recovered and reused after a demolition.
However, there are situations where spray foam insulation is not suitable. For example, you should NOT spray foam insulation over old insulation. Gaps can form when spray foam is applied to batts and rolls, reducing the effectiveness of the new insulation.
Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. To determine whether you should add insulation, you first need to find out how much insulation you already have in your home and where it is.
In reality, fiberglass insulation (whether batts, rolls, or blown-in) is very long-lasting. Under ideal conditions, it can insulate a home for 80–100 years. However, it is worth checking the quality and efficiency of the insulation at the 15- to 20-year mark.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.
The thermal barrier of a home should consist of a continuous layer of insulation on all sides—including the lowest floor, the exterior walls, and the ceiling or roof. Doubling the thickness of insulation will double the insulation's R-value, cutting heat loss in half.
Insulation performance weakens over time, no matter the material (yes, even spray foam).
Best Time of Year to Buy Insulation
In this case, the spring is the best time, because you will also start to see savings in the summer months. The same is true for warmer climates, just different times of year because you'll want the job finished before the heat sets in.
Yes! Not to mention that as a builder your first step is to consult your local and state building codes. In many colder North American climates, vapor barriers are a required part of building construction.
The recommended R-value for attic insulation can vary depending on the climate zone in which you live. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.
Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
Common Lifespans of Different Attic Insulation
Natural materials will inevitably degrade faster than synthetics, and some high grade synthetic materials can last virtually indefinitely if well taken care of. Fiberglass Insulation--The actual lifespan of this commonly used attic insulation is from 80-100 years.
Check Your Wall Insulation Level
Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.
As fiberglass degrades, it can become dust-like and relatively hard to remove. Because of this, it's advisable to contact a professional specializing in fiberglass insulation in Northern California to remove your home's or business' old insulation materials.
Here are some telltale signs that your insulation may be on its way out. Age 👴🏼 – Insulation is typically pretty hearty. For most homes, it can last for 20-80 years! That being said, like all things, insulation tends to wear down over time.
Any reputable insulation installer will thoroughly remove old insulation before putting in the new. However, as a homeowner, you should double-check that they remove all of the old insulation as a first step.