If there isn't any water damage or signs of insect or rodent-infestation, you can get by not having attic insulation removal done. Now, if you see a lot of dust around the air registers in your house or you're concerned about the air quality, you should have attic insulation removal service performed.
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.
Removing the old insulation would be more beneficial than leaving it. The older insulation is no longer effective because it has compressed over time. You'll also be able to get a more consistent r-value from the newer insulation because the older insulation is likely variable in height.
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.
According to studies, a lot more effective than you might think. It has been found that by installing ceiling insulation, you can save up to 30% of your heating and cooling expenses. An additional benefit is that your ceilings will remain cooler in summer, increasing the overall comfort of your home.
When you insulate your attic, you will have that extra space that your HVAC system will have to heat or cool. However, insulating your ceiling means you'll only be treating the air in the living spaces you actually use. This can lower your energy usage by up to 40%, depending on the size of your home.
Irritation to skin and respiratory system
Wall insulation solutions like Rockwool are made of ultra-fine fibres. While thermally efficient, they can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
In addition to walls and attics, insulation should be installed in ceilings with unheated spaces, basement walls, floors above vented crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, floors over unheated garages or porches, knee walls, and in between interior walls—especially bathrooms—as well as ceilings and floors.
The optimal R-value for most homes is 30, but you can go as high as 38 if you live in a tropical climate. Anything higher than 38 indicates an over-insulated space. While you might think that too much insulation can't be bad, there are some significant consequences to consider.
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.
Whether or not you need to remove the existing insulation depends on its condition. Removing old insulation is generally recommended if it's damaged, contaminated with mold, or infested with pests.
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.
Generally speaking, replacing old insulation may not be worth it if old insulation is dry, free of dust and it is not squashed. In this case, its removal isn't necessary. In fact, it can be quite beneficial to leave old insulation.
Insulation is more than just material. It's about creating a healthy, efficient, and comfortable living space. Removing old insulation might seem like an extra step, but it's a leap toward better air quality, increased efficiency, and peace of mind. So, when you're looking to upgrade, don't just add—replace.
Insulation batts are actually made from materials like glass wool or fibreglass. The great news is that their expected lifespan is around 100 years! So, unless some specific damage has been done to them, it's unlikely that they have broken down.
Exposed insulation is at risk of catching fire if not covered properly because it is extremely flammable. Installing a fire retardant plastic sheeting over insulation slows the fire damage rate in the case of an adverse event.
The answer is yes! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good.
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.
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you're insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you'll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
Effective ceiling insulation is the best barrier against the summer heat and the winter cold, saving you up to 20% on your heating and cooling energy costs.
While it may seem like the more insulation you have, the more energy-efficient your home will be, you do not want to insulate both the attic floor and ceiling. Insulating the floor and the ceiling would create a separate and conditioned environment, especially if you air-sealed your attic.
As a general rule, insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15 to 20 years. However, it may need replacing or retrofitting sooner depending on the type of insulation installed, the R rating of the original insulation, compression and movement over time, and whether any damage has occurred.
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.
Potential problems with spray foam insulation
If incorrectly installed or used inappropriately, spray foam insulation might: reduce air circulation and ventilation within a roof space. lead to dampness and condensation on the underside of a roof because it forms an air barrier and stops moisture from escaping.
A well-insulated home can also significantly impact its resale value. When it comes to buying a house, potential buyers look for features that will save them money in the long run. And insulation is one such feature that can positively affect the overall value of a home.