Should I Remove My Old Attic Insulation: 6 Reasons When It’s Necessary

Attic insulation attracts any dirt, unpleasant odors, moisture, etc. That is why you need to carefully monitor the condition of the attic insulation. If you have a suspicion that something is wrong with the insulation, it is better to carry out repairs to eliminate unpleasant consequences.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at when it is necessary to replace the attic insulation, and when it is not necessary. Okay, should I remove my old attic insulation?

When Insulation Removal Is Necessary?

During the modified insulation helps you to save energy in the house, and is also a certain safety precautions for your attic, floor, roof, walls and the house as a whole. There are six reasons when replacement insulation is necessary:

#1 Presence of rodents and other animals

Rats and mice are frequent guests in old houses. Rodents can get inside your house in various ways and cause damage to old attic insulation. In isolation, rodents can equip homes, reproduce, etc. Rat waste can also cause great harm not only by attic insulation, but also to your health and your living space. Rodents are carriers of many diseases.

If you find a rat or mouse in the attic, first try to get rid of rodents, and then change the attic insulation and thoroughly disinfect everything. We recommend using cellulose blown-in attic insulation due to the flame-retardant chemical borate to cover the blown in insulation.

Such materials are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.

Also, the insulation can be infected with various bacteria and other animals. In addition to rodents, there are three more common categories:

• Raccoons and squirrels – these animals are frequent residents in attics. In insulating materials, they can make stocks, as a result of which, they rot and bacteria are formed, as well as an unpleasant smell.
• Bats – for them, the insulating material can become a place to live. In them, they can also produce various life processes that can cause various diseases in humans.
• Insects – in old attic insulation, many insects can create hives. If they are wasps, bees, hornets and termites, then they are dangerous to health.

#2 Water damage

If there is increased condensation in the attic or the attic has recently flooded, then you need to the old attic insulation removal and change.

Insulation materials tend to quickly absorb and retain moisture, because of this mold will begin to form inside the old attic insulation and there will be an unpleasant smell. Over time, this can harm not only the attic insulation, but also the walls of the attic, attic floor, leaky attic roof and the attic itself in general.

Also, if the attic insulation removal, it will not work as efficiently as it did before. It won’t retain high heat. If a small surface is damaged, replace it only, but if almost all of it is damaged, change your home’s insulation completely.

#3 Old insulation removal for better heating and cooling

Another common reason why you will need to remove the attic insulation is temperature regulation.

Over time, the attic insulation removal its shape and ability to maintain energy efficient. Attic insulation can be worn to such an extent that it will be pointless to put new materials and easier to replace with a new one. Wear usually occurs due to displacement or a sudden change in weather conditions. For example, high humidity or heating.

#4 Asbestos

Asbestos is contained in which types of attic insulation material. It is most often found in old-style houses. This loose fill insulation material is very resistant to heat and corrosion, which is why it was so popular.

But recently scientists have found out that asbestos loose fill is very toxic to humans. The most common material that contains asbestos is vermiculite attic insulation removal. If there is asbestos in your old attic insulation removal, it is better to replace it, since asbestos can cause various diseases. Be careful!

#5 Mold

Mold spores are common in the attic, since the attic is a place with high humidity. Fungus can cause various diseases and unpleasant odors. Attic fungus is also a strong allergen.

If you notice a damp smell in your attic and mold has appeared on your old attic insulation removal, identify the source of the high humidity immediately and replace the damaged insulation. White Mold in Attic – Why and What to Do suggests how to get rid of it.

Fungus also affects the performance of fiberglass batts insulation. The more attic fungus, the less the effect of existing insulation.

#6 When air seal your attic with spray foam insulation

In hot and dry climates, like Phoenix, open-pore polyurethane foam is usually used. This removes all insulation from the attic floor. Spray foam is an insulator and air sealant in the same bottle, and when the attic ventilation is completely blocked, no more dust gets in.

This creates a completely sealed attic space, which of course improves your home’s air quality and reduce your energy bills. If you’re wondering how expensive it is, welcome to How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost.

When You Do Not Need to Remove Your Attic Insulation

In addition to cases when you need to remove the home improvement project by fiberglass insulation, there are cases when it is better to leave it. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Don’t remove old insulation

Over time, the additional insulation may sag and decrease. But in this case, it does not need to be completely changed. It will be enough just to add the material. But make sure that the all the insulation has not been damaged in any way before. Add the required amount of material of the same product that was used earlier.

Don’t remove fiberglass batt insulation

Fiberglass batt insulation added is often installed incorrectly, because many companies think that replacing fiberglass batt insulation will solve all problems, but this is not the case. Everything can be simpler and more economical.

The only thing is that it is best to agree in advance with specialists who will help you properly fiberglass attic insulation installation, as it can be difficult and difficult to cope with yourself.

To explore the issue all the way through, watch this video by HomeShowRadio with an interesting point of view on attic insulation replacement:

Professional Attic Insulation Removal from Various Agencies

In order to replace the cellulose insulation removal, it is better to contact a professional help with proper equipment, since they are professionals in their field. They know all the subtleties of the work, how best to lay the hazardous materials and which is better to use. It is very important to put the fiberglass insulation correctly, as this can save you time and effort in the future.

What is included in the services of the work of specialists by removing insulation:

1. cleaning and removal of all misaligned insulation and cellulose insulation debris;
2. attic cleaning (not in all organizations);
3. check the attic for mold and other fungal infections. If there is, then eliminate and advise residents how to avoid mold;
4. check the attic and roof deck for rodents. If there are rodents, eliminate them;
5. sealing all cracks or leaks, as well as sealing all holes after installing the air conditioner;
6. install new attic insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) and make sure that it is installed correctly and increases the thermal effect.

Chapter FAQ

Is it worth keeping old loft insulation?

If your fiberglass insulation is old, but in normal condition, has not lost its shape and has not moved out, then it can be left by adding the necessary amount of new material.

But if the old material has completely lost its shape and shrunk, then it is best to replace it completely. Since otherwise the thermal effect will decrease and the cellulose insulation functionality will be equal to 0.

Do old insulation need to be remove before installing new?

Yes, it is necessary. Old insulation may contain fungus and mold, as well as other contaminants. When in contact with a new material, all of the above will be transferred to the new material faster, as a result of which the shelf life of the blown in cellulose insulation may be reduced.

Can you put new loft insulation over old?

Yes, it is possible, only on condition that the old insulation is in normal condition. More or less preserved its shape, there is no mold and other fungal infections. There are no traces of the presence of various animals.

Should I remove ceiling insulation?

Insulation needs to be replaced everywhere. Over time or for various reasons, the insulation needs to be changed. And it is necessary to replace it completely in order to achieve the necessary working effect.

Conclusion: Should I Remove My Old Attic Insulation

Answering the question, should I remove my old attic insulation, the answer is definitely yes. You need to remove attic insulation. The shelf life of rolled insulation depends on many factors that we have listed above. Based on them, you will be able to understand exactly when you need to removing attic insulation and put a new insulation in its place.

During the replaced new insulation will help to reduce the energy bills in HVAC system, as well as maintain the good temperature in the house. The insulative properties are preserved for a long time, until it is necessary to change to new ones.