Unless it's damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years in most homes before it needs to be replaced. However, insulation can start to fall off from fiberglass blocks after 15 to 20 years, so if the insulation was installed in blocks more than a decade ago, it might be time to perform a home energy inspection or audit. A common question people ask is whether it really matters that their insulation is damaged or old. The answer is a resounding yes, the state of your insulation can have a huge impact on the energy efficiency of your home.
If your insulation has been damaged by water or rodents, it is absolutely necessary to replace it. While some insulation is designed to last for years, there are times when you need to replace your insulation or add more insulation to it. Old houses, including each and every home built in the 1970s or earlier, should definitely replace their insulation, especially if the insulation hasn't been replaced since the 1970s. Since the 1970s, insulator manufacturers have significantly improved their products to keep you hotter or cooler and save you more energy.
You should also replace the insulation if your roof is leaking or you suspect that water has entered the insulation. Mold can grow in the warm, humid atmosphere of an attic, which can cause hazardous air quality for your home. Any moldy insulation must be replaced immediately. The best way to check if insulation needs to be replaced is to schedule an inspection with an insulation company.
They will give you an expert opinion on the wear and tear of your insulation and if it needs to be replaced. Water damage %26 Problems with mold: moisture and insulation don't mix. When the insulating material gets wet, it loses its insulating properties. In addition to that, wet insulation is a real breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Covering gaps in insulation or installing an adequate amount can have a big impact on the efficiency and energy savings of your home. A thin layer or lack of insulation in the attic can allow the heat in your home to rise outside your home. If there's a major problem that caused the insulation to be damaged, you'll need to fix it before replacing it. It's easy to see the difference: the block insulation will look spongy and the blown insulation will look solid.
Aspects of product performance, such as stability and lifespan, should be considered when evaluating any insulation product. A final sign that your attic insulation may need to be adjusted or replaced is if your home feels drafts. Studies that demonstrate the performance of insulation products help builders and homeowners make informed insulation decisions. To schedule an inspection of your insulation or to learn more about how insulation may break down, contact Attic Construction.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors argues that the most common types of insulation, such as loosely filled fiberglass insulation or block insulation, can last more than 100 years. A lot can happen in a year, such as inclement weather and animal infestations, which can greatly affect the effectiveness and health of your home's isolation. Detecting damaged or damp insulation early will ensure that your home continues to operate at maximum efficiency. While fiberglass may appear impervious to most substances, care must be taken to protect your home's insulation.
