Good attic insulation is critical for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Having new insulation installed results in long-term savings by reducing your energy bills during the hottest and coldest months of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with the installation process, you may be wondering whether you’ll need to remove old insulation before installing something new. The answer depends on several factors, as described in the guide below.

How to Know You Should Replace Old Attic Insulation 

Look for Damage

Damaged insulation will lose its effectiveness and should always be removed. Insulation that’s been crushed or compressed won’t provide an adequate layer of protection, nor will material that’s suffered from water damage. Not only are they ineffective on their own, but they’ll decrease the effectiveness of anything you install on top of them.

Layers that have been tainted by mold or animal urine and excrement should also be replaced since they create odors and health risks. If you don’t remove them, the residue will likely spread to any new layers you install, costing you money. The best policy is to take them down, deodorize and disinfect the area, and then install new material.

Evaluate Materials

The type of insulation you use is also important. Blown loose-fill insulation, for example, is typically fine to place over existing materials. However, “faced” insulation – insulation that comes with an added layer of vapor retarder – shouldn’t be installed over insulation already in place, as this will trap moisture. 

Consider the Age

Older insulation may lose effectiveness by being compressed over time, but that isn’t the biggest risk. It’s possible that the insulation has been tainted by asbestos, especially if it was installed before 1990. Telltale signs include insulation that appears grainy, accordion-shaped, or covered in shiny flecks. If this describes the material in your home, then immediately call an insulation contractor to deal with this for you. Do not attempt to strip out the old insulation yourself.

If you need assistance with attic insulation, floor insulation, and other related needs, then contact the experts at All Season Insulation LLC. They provide customers in Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, and nearby Northern Kentucky with quality services that have earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, a Superior Service award from Angie’s List®, and an Elite Service Award from HomeAdvisor®. For more information on how they can help you, visit them online or call (513) 316-7622.