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There are several reasons to replace attic insulation, from improving temperature control to preserving home value. Any signs that your insulation is beginning to fail make it a worthwhile project to consider.
Insulation is more than the coat that keeps your home warm. It’s the glue that holds it up, the window that lets air through, and more. That’s why it’s so important to ensure its high-quality and that you replace it when needed.
What Are Signs of Bad Insulation?
There are several important insulation replacement signs to look out for.
Visible gaps are the most obvious sign. Poorly installed or failing insulation will leave large open holes.
Pests can also get into these holes. Rodents may even attempt to make a nest in your insulation.
Look at your energy bills. Have they shot up recently for no reason? It may be because your insulation isn’t holding in cool or warm air as well as it should. That forces your heating and cooling systems to work overtime, and you end up paying the price.
Check the temperature throughout your home. Poor insulation can lead to cool or hot spots.
The lack of temperature regulation could even lead to water damage. That could appear as ice dams outside. You may even notice mold or mildew in the attic.
Five Reasons to Replace Attic Insulation
Choosing to replace the attic insulation can lead to improvements throughout your home. In the short term, it can improve your comfort and reduce bills. In the long term, it keeps your home stable and valuable for years to come.
1. Energy Efficiency
Getting new insulation is one of the best energy-efficient home tips. According to the Department of Energy, it can save you around 20% on heating and cooling costs or 10% on total energy costs.
2. Temperature Consistency
According to Lung.org, the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. Who wouldn’t want to make it as comfortable an experience as possible?
Choosing to replace the attic insulation in your home can help regulate temperature in every room. You won’t have to fiddle with the thermostat as much because it’ll stay at your preferred temperature. There won’t be any warm or cool spots you’d been wanting to avoid.
3. Air Quality and Pest Control
The State of the Air report says that around 46% of people are living in areas with unhealthy air. It can lead to serious long-term health effects, especially for those with issues such as allergies or asthma.
Poor insulation worsens your air quality. You may even end up breathing it in as pieces fall off and go into the air or your ducts.
Air quality isn’t the only issue. If water damage gets into your insulation, you can have serious mold or mildew. Replacing it can be one of the only ways to completely get rid of it all.
It’s also important to check your insulation after a pest infestation. Replacing it can ensure there aren’t any holes for pests to come into ever again.
4. Building Durability
One of the most underrated attic insulation benefits is that it literally holds your home up. If you start to notice the walls sagging, replacement may be necessary before they fall down.
5. Value
New insulation can be an investment in your home’s value. It’s one of the best home improvement solutions because it’s a cost-effective job. It’ll improve your experience in your home now and get you a better offer when you want to sell.
Should I Hire Attic Insulation or Do It Myself?
Hiring a professional ensures you get a longer-lasting, more cost-effective insulation project. It’s especially important if you have a more difficult project.
Do you have complex wiring in your home, especially in your attic? This is a struggle to work around that even the most dedicated DIY enthusiasts may be unable to handle.
Specialized types of insulation, such as spray foam, need to be installed carefully by a professional. Mistakes are easier to make, but they can become a major issue. Leaving holes invites water damage or pests. It can also affect the structural integrity of your home.
Getting professional help is also the only way to ensure code compliance. That makes it a non-negotiable step for commercial installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Remove Old Attic Insulation Before Installing New Insulation?
No, you don’t always have to do the process this way. It can be an unnecessary step that takes more time and costs more money.
You can keep the old insulation if it’s in good condition. Instead, install the new insulation over it. This increases energy efficiency.
You should get rid of the old insulation first if it’s:
- Wet
- Moldy
- Pest-infested
- Severely damaged
- Made with hazardous materials, such as asbestos
Putting new materials over this kind of faulty insulation will only trap the issues in and make them worse.
What is Better, Blow or Rolled Attic Insulation?
Blown-in insulation tends to be better for most projects. It fills gaps and irregular spaces. It also has higher R-values, indicating greater energy efficiency.
Rolled attic insulation shouldn’t be counted out completely, however. It is cheaper and can work in open or uniform spaces. Be aware that it will leave holes.
What Insulation Do Mice Hate?
There’s no specific type of insulation that will deter all mice. However, certain types are better for pest control.
Most mice don’t like blown-in cellulose treated with boric acid. Spray foam also works because it’s airtight with fewer holes for them to get into.
Replace Attic Insulation Today
There are several reasons to replace attic insulation. It can keep your home structurally sound, preserve its value, prevent damage from water or pests, and make it more energy efficient.
Eastside Exterminators has been Greater Seattle’s leading pest control provider since 1969. We help prevent pests from reaching your home and respond to existing infestations. That includes ensuring you have the most effective attic insulation.
We go beyond technology to cultivate a customer service environment where every client feels like family. Contact us for insulation service today.
