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.
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.
Condition of Existing Insulation: - If the old insulation is in good condition (not wet, moldy, or damaged), it may be acceptable to leave it in place. However, if it shows signs of deterioration or contamination, it should be removed.
Call your local waste-management office and ask what to do with the insulation of your type. In some cases, you can place the bags out with your regular trash. In others, you will have to take it to a designated area at the dump.
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.
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.
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.
Blown-in insulation, available in fiberglass and cellulose varieties, generally lasts 20 to 30 years. Fiberglass tends to be the more durable option, while cellulose is more sensitive to humidity, which can affect its longevity in certain climates.
If you're dealing with either of these types of insulation, call your local recycling facility to see if they accept insulation and set up a dropoff appointment.
Blown-In Insulation (Fiberglass And Cellulose)
Because it is both efficient and economical, blown-in or loose-fill fiberglass is an insulation material that sees widespread use. In most homes, loose-fill insulation can survive anywhere from 80 to 100 years before needing replacement, provided that it is not damaged.
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.
In fact, homes with unfinished attics may have no rafter insulation at all — instead, they rely on fiberglass batts or blown insulation installed between the joists on the floor. In either case, though, your insulation should generally remain untouched while the roofer does their job.
Yes, too much loft insulation can cause dampness in some situations. Loft insulation works by trapping warm air inside a building, preventing it from escaping through the roof. This helps to keep the interior of the building warmer in cold weather, reducing the need for heating and saving energy.
If you live in an older home, it may be time to remove your old blown in insulation material. A proper replacement will help lower utility bills, retain the value of your property, and keep you and your family comfortable all year round.
It's going to get everywhere and make an even bigger mess, so you will need to get a vacuum to remove insulation from the attic. We use a 1,500-horsepower shop vac when we do the removal, and in most cases, hook that to a second attic insulation removal vacuum to get the suction we need.
The preferred method of removing blown in insulation is by machine, using a vacuum process to suck the insulation out of the attic. This is the most efficient option and can save both time and money. If you're doing the removal yourself, you'll need to rent a high-powered insulation vacuum.
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.
Moisture Sensitivity: One of the major drawbacks of blown-in insulation is its susceptibility to moisture. If your attic has a moisture problem or experiences water leaks, the insulation can become damp, leading to mold growth and reduced effectiveness.
While it varies by type, blown-in cellulose is a type of insulation that can typically be recycled. The blower tool deploys the material to fill wall cavities, making it ideal for hard-to-reach spaces and poorly insulated areas in attics or crawl spaces.
Blown-In Cellulose Particles Are Paper.
Unlike glass fibers, cellulose isn't dangerous to breathe. However, it can irritate your lungs. If you have pre-existing allergies, the dust of cellulose insulation can be obnoxious.
Indoor air quality: You can improve the air quality in your home by removing old insulation that may harbor mold, dust or allergens. Increased home comfort: New insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures more effectively, eliminating hot or cold spots and even reducing noise.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Having too much insulation in your attic can allow for the accumulation of moisture. This leads to mold and mildew growth, which can be extremely bad for your health.
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.