Does home insulation need to be replaced?

Learn more about home insulation replacement from top experts- Read more.

Does home insulation need to be replaced?

Rating 5, 0 (10) · Free · Unless damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years in most homes before it needs to be replaced. However, insulation may start to fall from fiberglass. Insulation, depending on the material used, can last for decades if properly cared for. Some insulating materials are composed of natural materials and will eventually degrade.

Others are made of synthetic material and can last almost a century before being replaced. The insulation can last 80 to 100 years under the right conditions. However, insulation can start to degrade in as little as 15 years if there is moisture or rodents. If the insulation is damaged to the point that it no longer provides the intended insulation value, it must be replaced.

The insulation must also be replaced, in some cases before the age of 15, if it no longer performs its function properly. You'll know that it needs to be replaced if there are leaks in the insulation or if it's coming off the walls. For homes with insufficient or damaged insulation, replacing attic insulation can restore energy efficiency and comfort. From water damage to mold, inclement weather, dirt and dust, fires, or even if you simply have an old house, your insulation can fail without you knowing it.

The humidity in your home will cause mold and mildew to grow, especially if the insulation keeps that moisture in place. Traditional insulators, such as fiberglass and cellulose, allow air to enter and leave your home. Limit access to the area and have a person trained and certified to work with asbestos insulators for attics professionally inspect potentially contaminated insulation. A professional attic insulation contractor will be able to determine all of these factors for you with a simple insulation inspection. We spoke with Chris, with Gutter Cleaning Raleigh NC, and he said that " Roof and gutters checking is necessary if you want to avoid water and moisture insulation damage." 

But if you have already isolated your access space, you should also keep in mind that the insulation in the access space will not last long because animals and moisture can easily damage it. Composed of several types of polymers and types of polyurethane, it has the longest lifespan of household insulators. The fact is that basement insulation is still subject to certain negative external factors to be concerned about, such as rodent infestations and moisture that could quickly degrade the insulation material. While insulation is designed to last a long time, nothing is invincible, meaning your insulation may not last as long as expected.

If you have high energy bills, uncomfortable rooms, and other problems, such as humidity, it's probably time to replace the insulation in your current home. If you look at your insulation and see that it looks damp, is saggy, or has visible mold, then the moisture is already damaged and will need to be replaced. It is ideal as secondary insulation injected onto fiberglass blocks or other longer-lasting insulators. If you have an older home, the attic insulation is likely the same insulation that was installed when the house was built.

Hayley Minichiello
Hayley Minichiello

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