Installing new insulation is a great way to help reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Many people have insulation in their attic, basement or walls, but extra insulation can help better insulate their homes.
Is it possible to add new insulation over old materials? In this blog, we’ll discuss insulation removal techniques and help you determine whether you can add new insulation over your current insulation.
Signs You Should Remove Old Insulation
If your home’s insulation is damaged, it should be removed and replaced as soon as possible. It’s important to inspect the insulation thoroughly so you don’t risk covering damp or damaged insulation with new material, which can lead to issues in the future.
You should have insulation removed and replaced if you notice:
- Wet or damaged insulation: With wet insulation, you risk issues like mold growth, warping and other potential structural damage.
- Pest infestations: If your insulation becomes a playground for rodents or insects, it’s best to remove and replace it to ensure the infestation is eliminated for good.
- Fire or smoke damage: Insulation that’s been exposed to fire or smoke has likely lost its effectiveness. To restore your home’s optimal energy efficiency, it’s best to remove and replace it.
It’s also important to find the root cause of the dampness and resolve the issue. If a pipe bursts or leaks, make sure to have a plumber fix it. If rain comes into the home and dampens the insulation, a roofer may be needed.
Weatherizing your home with air sealing and other methods is also a great option.
How Does Insulation Replacement Work?
The specific approach to re-insulating your home will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of insulation you choose, where it will be installed and whether your current insulation needs replacing.
Here’s what you should know about installing new insulation:
- Fiberglass (batt or rolled) or cellulose (loose-fill) insulation can often be installed on top of old insulation.
- Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to roof joists.
- Rolled insulation should never be tacked down or else it can lose much of its R-value, or its ability to insulate.
- If you have vermiculite insulation, it should be tested before being removed. If tests show that it contains harmful chemicals, a certified professional must carefully remove it.
- Performing air sealing is a good idea before installing new insulation, as it can significantly raise the energy efficiency of the insulation.
Adding new insulation is a big task that should only be handled by trained professionals.
Contact Us for Insulation Services in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania
The team at Eastern Contractor Services can install fresh insulation in your home. We install fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and radiant barrier insulation. Whether you need extra insulation on top of your current materials or need to replace old insulation, we can help.
Contact us today to get a free quote on retrofit insulation services in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.
