Inconsistent Temperatures It could feel like one room is always colder than the others or you could find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat to keep up with the outside temperature. If there are inconsistent temperatures in your home, chances are that there is a problem with your attic insulation.
You can assess if your home insulation needs replacement by observing signs like increased energy bills, uneven indoor temperatures, drafts, and visible damage to insulation materials. Additionally, if your insulation is over 10-15 years old or has been exposed to moisture or pests, it may require replacement.
Loft insulation usually lasts 40 years or more if properly maintained and pays for itself many times over its lifespan. However, this greatly depends on how well it was installed and the type of material used.
Conclusion. Attic insulation can last 80 to 100 years, though it loses its energy efficiency benefits with time. Certified attic specialists' professional advice is to upgrade it every 15 years to ensure that it is still performing the job.
Removing old insulation is generally recommended if it's damaged, contaminated with mold, or infested with pests. However, if the insulation is in decent shape and just needs a boost, adding a new layer on top can be a cost-effective option.
Some loft insulation materials also reduce in terms of levels of thermal resistance as they settle over time. Home insulation experts advise householders to check the condition of their loft insulation every five to seven years.
The answer is yes, you can put new insulation over old. But there are some circumstances that would require insulation removal first, such as in the case of contaminated insulation from pests, water or smoke. Moisture is the biggest culprit, as it can lead to mold and mildew, as well as ceiling and roof rafter rot.
Attic insulation costs anywhere from $1,680 to $3,125, depending on the size of your attic and the material used. On average, most homeowners shell out around $2,380. These costs include the insulation materials and installation by a professional.
While loft insulation is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, over-insulating can lead to several potential issues. Firstly, over-insulation can lead to poor ventilation in the attic, which can cause moisture buildup and increase the risk of mould growth.
You can easily detect areas of missing insulation by walking around your house with a thermal imager and looking for temperature differences. For best results, you'll want at least a 20 degree temperature difference.
You can expect to pay anything from £400 for traditional quilt insulation to £90 per m² for certain types of spray foam insulation. Topping up existing insulation to the recommended 270mm thickness can cost about £500, but installing 270mm thick loft insulation from the onset, this can be as much as £700.
Replacing older loft insulation can boost your property's thermal efficiency, leading to significant energy bill savings, reduced carbon footprint, and a temperature-regulated indoor environment.
No matter what kind of insulation you currently have in your attic, one quick way to determine if you need more is to look across the span of your attic. If your insulation is just level with or below your floor joists (i.e., you can easily see your joists), you should add more.
Excessively thick insulation can block most ventilation sources, reducing air quality and restricting air exchange within the loft. It can also negatively impact air circulation, which causes respiratory problems and other related health issues.
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.
SAVINGS AND COMFORT
EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.
Unfortunately, the majority of homes built 50 years ago were not insulated at all. It is important to be aware of these insulation issues if your home is 50+ years old. Replacement (or new installation) may be necessary if your home is drafty, if you have high utility bills, etc.
On average, attic insulation costs $1 to $3 per square foot, so for a 1,800-square-foot attic, you'd pay $1,800 to $5,400, including materials and labor.
Too much insulation will leave humidity and moisture to accumulate in your attic space. This can lead to mold growth on your walls and insulation. There might also be water damage to the support beams in your home's roof.
The Big Question: Do I Need to Remove Old Insulation Before Installing New? In the majority of cases, removal of old insulation is NOT necessary before adding new.