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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old insulation materials can become more flammable over time. By removing outdated insulation, you reduce the potential for fire hazards, creating a safer home environment. If the old insulation was installed incorrectly, it might have gaps or compressed areas that reduce its effectiveness.
Most recyclers will let you know how they prefer to receive your old insulation, so check with them before heading off. Remember, the only types of insulation you can recycle are natural fiber and mineral wool insulation. You will need to drop off all other types at your local waste disposal center.
The average attic insulation removal cost is $900, but often ranges between $600 and $1,200, depending on attic size and whether your pro has to work with hazardous materials.
However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness. Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.
Yes, you can dry out wet insulation. The amount of time it takes for wet insulation to dry out will depend on a number of factors, including the type of insulation, the ventilation in the area where the insulation is located, and the ambient temperature and humidity.
Yes, it is possible to put too much insulation in a loft or attic.
Types of Insulation
Insulation that can be removed by hand – Batt and roll insulation—also known as insulation blankets—are strips of insulated material that are shaped to fit between the slats and boards of your home. This is the only type of insulation that can be removed by hand, due to its rigid structure.
Old and deteriorating insulation can trap dust, allergens, and mold, leading to poor indoor air quality. Replacing your attic insulation can help mitigate these issues, promoting a healthier living environment for you and your family.
If you have fiberglass insulation you would like to recycle, call your local recycling facility to see if they can handle it. If not, they may know the nearest facility that can take your insulation.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install.
Most insulation materials cannot be disposed of in regular waste or recycling, you'll instead need to find your local household waste recycling centre and take it there. In some cases, you may have to engage the services of a professional waste remover.
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.
Roof and ceiling insulation. Installing roof and ceiling insulation can save up to 45% (or more) on heating and cooling costs.
Loft insulation typically lasts up to 40 years or more, depending on the material used and environmental conditions. With proper installation and maintenance, you can maximise its lifespan.
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.
With all factors considered, the average attic junk and insulation removal costs around $1.50–$3 per square foot. If there's mold present, however, costs lean toward the top of that range or over — approximately $4.5–$6 per square foot.