In many cases you can add new insulation on top of old insulation, unless the old insulation is wet, mouldy, or vermiculite. If the old insulation is dry but appears to have previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem.
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.
As a general guideline, it's advisable to install double layers of thermal insulation throughout your house. Nevertheless, this may not be feasible in all areas due to space limitations. Typically, it's not practical to add two layers of insulation within the walls of your home.
Loose-fill insulation can be installed on top of old insulation. Whole-house air sealing is a wise idea before adding new insulation, as leaks will reduce energy efficiency and comfort.
Installing new insulation over old is a viable option for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, the current insulation must be in good condition. It's vital that a professional insulation technician inspect your current insulation before adding another layer.
A high R-Value system is commonly referred to as a double layer system. Two layers of insulation are installed and held up with metal bands to achieve a High R-Value.
With too many layers of insulation, mold can even grow in between the layers. Mold in the home can cause allergy flare-ups, allergic reactions, and breathing issues. So, while it is important that your home be correctly sealed and insulated, you shouldn't aim for a hermetically-sealed dome.
Never place insulation close to water heaters, oil burners or anything hot. The backing is especially flammable and will be a major fire hazard for your home.
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.
Before you decide to install new loft insulation, it's important to assess the condition of your existing insulation. If the insulation is still in good condition, it may not need to be removed. However, if it's damaged, damp, or infested with pests, it should be removed before installing new insulation.
Because its structure is more complex than single-layer insulation, the cost is relatively high. Additionally, in some cases, double-insulated cables may fail due to spalling between the inner and outer insulation layers.
The R-value of insulation is the measure of thermal resistance. So, when you combine different insulation types, you can effectively maximize the R-value. One common approach is to layer fiberglass batts beneath blown-in cellulose insulation.
Unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency, you can probably reduce your energy bills by adding more 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.
One of the most common questions we get is, “can you put new insulation over old insulation?” The answer is often “yes,” but there are some important exceptions you should know about beforehand. Multiple areas of the home can benefit from retrofit insulation (i.e., adding insulation to an existing space).
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 does not need to be replaced unless it has been damaged by pests, animals, or water. The costs of adding and replacing insulation differ, but it is highly recommended to bring your attic insulation up to current standards to ensure long-term energy efficiency and comfort.
Many of us know what causes mould; when moisture is trapped in the rooms of you home. Sometimes, there is insufficient insulation in the walls, so mould grows. However, not many people realise that additional insulation isn't always the answer. In fact, too much insulation can be the secret cause of mould.
What Happens If You Compress Blown-In Insulation? Like batts, compressing blown-in fiberglass insulation improves the R-value per square inch while diminishing the overall R-value. Also like fiberglass batts, some amount of compression is OK if the cavity is completely filled.
Once the project is complete, if there is still leftover insulation, place it in a durable trash bag and drop it off at a specialized waste facility, like a building materials disposal site.
Moisture damage
This can occur due to leaks in the roof or foundation, inadequate ventilation, or high humidity levels inside a building. Moisture can cause the insulation material to become compressed and lose its effectiveness, leading to increased energy consumption and potential mold growth.
Besides safety concerns, installation inexperience can result in insulation mistakes that can affect both the quality of your insulation and installation. Improper placement can leave gaps and cause energy loss, lessening the insulation's lifespan.
For new builds or if you are renovating, you may be asking yourself if you should insulate your ceiling or walls first. The best answer is both. Insulation is a once-only cost that makes your house more comfortable for it's entire lifespan, without another cent having to be spent.
Common symptoms may include irritated, itchy, watery, or burning sensation of the eyes, nose, or throat, or itchy skin or skin rashes. Occasionally, some people report breathing difficulties, especially if they are asthmatic or have other breathing disorders.
Fiberglass is made from glass fibers. Glass in the form of fibers is still glass, though, and it cuts. When you touch fiberglass insulation without protective gear, you run the risk of getting tiny glass shards embedded in your skin. This is why fiberglass makes you itch and can even cause severe rashes in some people.
Too much Insulation with a minimum amount of ventilation will result in condensation forming as the warm air has nowhere to escape to. It can also result from insulation being improperly installed such as too many layers being laid on top of each other or if it is too tightly packed.