Although the insulation in your home may last for years, old insulation is not immune to wear and tear. A drafty house and increased energy consumption are some of the problems you may face if your insulation has stopped working efficiently. Ignoring these subtle signs may cost you huge amounts of money.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Current Insulation
Different types of insulation have different lifespans. Some, like fiberglass, span 80-100 years, while cellulose insulation lasts 20-30 years. However, all types of insulation may sustain damage that could reduce their lifespan, making a replacement necessary.
Here are some signs to look for to decide whether you need new insulation.
Look at Your Energy Bills
Your insulation keeps warm air from escaping from your house during colder months and keeps heat out during summer. If your insulation becomes ineffective, it may let the energy from your HVAC escape into the attic.
If your energy bills have increased significantly, consider having your home inspected to determine whether your insulation is the culprit behind the energy leaks in your home.
Moisture in the Insulation
The presence of moisture in insulation is a sign of water damage. Moisture may get to your insulation if water from a roof leak pools in your attic or crawl space. Wet insulation will break down faster and may start leaking water into your interiors. Additionally, fungi like mold and mildew will quickly grow on wet insulation.
Mold and mildew can cause respiratory issues such as nasal congestion, wheezing, coughing, and asthma flare-ups. The fungi also have a musty smell that will affect the air quality in your interiors. Contact a mold remediation service to remove any mold in your attic and replace wet insulation immediately.
Age of Insulation
If you are wondering whether you should replace insulation, the answer is yes. Although your insulation should last a long time, it will get damaged with time. Damage accumulated over the years will eventually affect the functionality of your old insulation.
If you live in an old house, its insulation may not be as durable as modern insulation, and it may have outlived its usefulness. Old attic insulation may also come off in some parts, leaving gaps or holes. Your insulation contractor can inspect your current insulation to establish its functionality.
Animal Damage
Critters such as mice, raccoons, and squirrels may invade your crawl space or attic if your roof is damaged. These pests may build their nests on your insulation or start chewing through it as they try to access your interiors.
If you hear strange noises in your house at night, have a professional check for the presence of animals in your attic, seal entry areas for pests, and replace damaged insulation.
Your House Feels Drafty
If you find that some rooms in your house are colder than others, you may have damaged insulation. Insulation that works well should keep cold air from entering the house and heat from escaping outside. However, if your insulation has holes or is worn, it will not maintain balanced indoor temperatures and should be replaced.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials like mold, mildew, dust, and allergens may accumulate in the attic of an old home. With all these materials in your insulation, members of your household may get allergies and other respiratory illnesses. Removing past usable age insulation from the attic will help eliminate any hazardous materials that may have been affecting your health.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
If you need new insulation, it is best to hire a professional insulation contractor to do the installation because you may lack the skills and experience to do a perfect job. A professional service can remove and dispose of your deteriorated insulation and replace it quickly.
Time to Replace Your Insulation
At Insulation Co., we offer superior insulation replacement services to protect your home’s comfort and functionality from old insulation. Contact us today for insulation installation services in Washington state and get a free price quote.