When Should You Replace Attic Insulation?
That’s a good question, and there are several factors you should take into account if it’s time to replace attic insulation. Keep reading to find out five reasons it’s time you do.
#1 Leaky or Damaged Roof
If you have had a leaky or damaged roof, chances are your insulation needs to be replaced. For one, wet attic insulation is not a good insulator and two, it will lead to mold growth in a matter of time, which can lead to the deterioration of your home’s framing materials.
So if you find yourself with a leak in your home’s roof, it is recommended that you have your insulation professionally inspected, especially if the leak has been undetected for quite some time. Most likely your attic insulation will need to be replaced and potential water damage will need to be addressed.
#2 Mold Growth
If you see mold on your attic insulation or even the areas surrounding it, you may need to replace your insulation.
Since mold grows where moisture occurs, most likely there’s a leak in the room, whether it’s the roof, a wall, or leaky pipe, it should be addressed because the presence of mold is not only bad for the infrastructure of your home, it impacts the air quality that passes throughout your home!
It is recommended that if mold is spotted, you should have your attic professionally inspected before putting down any new insulation. If the origin of the moisture is not addressed, then your mold/moisture problem will never end.
#3 Rodent Infestation
If there are rodents living in your attic, you may need to replace your attic insulation. Most likely the insulation will have been contaminated with droppings. Your insulation could also be damaged as a result of the rodents making nests, etc.
It is recommended that you seek pest control professionals to take care of this type of infestation, especially because of the diseases they may have been carrying. After their removal, sealing off any possible entrances, disinfecting the area, and reinsulating is best practice.
#4 The Age of Your Home
If you have an old home, it’s best to know what type of attic insulation you have. Although most types of insulation last for many years, it will also age, becoming thin and worn, leaving your home without sufficient insulation. We recommend taking a visual inspection of your attic to see the physical condition of your insulation, the cleanliness of the area, and the type of insulation you have. In doing so, you may find that it is time to replace your insulation.
#5 Condition of Existing Insulation
As mentioned previously about conducting a visual inspection of your attic space if you have an old home, it is also important to do this annually, no matter how old your home is. This is because many other factors can affect the integrity of your attic’s insulation.
Your attic insulation may have been moved and not put back in its proper place, resulting in areas of your attic not being properly insulated.
Your insulation could be dusty and/or dirty, which will definitely affect the air quality throughout your home. Even if you clean your attic space thoroughly, it is difficult to clean dirty insulation. That said, we recommend having your dirty insulation removed and replaced by attic insulation professionals.
When to Contact an Attic Insulation Contractor
Once you understand the signs that it’s time to replace your attic insulation and the benefits new insulation will bring, it is highly recommended to utilize insulation contractors who will professionally replace and install the right type of insulation for your home and budget. When your attic insulation is compromised or damaged, the new attic insulation can restore the efficiency and comfort of your home.
One option is blown-in insulation, which we offer here at Roof Advance. You’ll start saving money immediately while enjoying a more comfortable, evenly climate-controlled home interior. Over a lifetime, your attic insulation investment will pay for itself—over and over again!
Contact us today for more information about our attic insulation services or sign up here for a free estimate!