As your home insulation starts to degrade, you'll begin to experience some problems. These issues will start small, like a slightly higher energy bill or a room that's always a little warmer than the rest of the house. But over time, they can get worse, like rodents in your attic. Because insulation is not cheap to replace, you'll want to wait until it absolutely needs to be replaced before doing so. This can be difficult to determine, however, Koala Insulation can help you with a free insulation evaluation.
Your current insulation and its lifespan
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right insulation for your home. The lifespan of the insulation and how it will react to the environment are important considerations. In South Florida, we experience high humidity and occasional storms. Some types of insulation can last a lifetime under the right conditions.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice in South Florida because it is both thermally effective and cost-effective and can theoretically last up to 80 years. However, to stay fully effective, Fiberglass needs to remain fluffy and light to maintain its R-value. Once moisture (high humidity entering the attic through leaks or rain coming in because of a roofing problem) and mold attack the trusty insulation material, its lifespan can be reduced to as little as 15-20 years.
On average, Fiberglass Batts have a lower lifespan than Fiberglass Blown-In Insulation because insulation material can start falling from the Batts in about 15-20 years.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is a type of insulation that is made from recycled materials and is therefore considered to be environmentally friendly. However, its lifespan is shorter than other types of insulation, lasting only 20-30 years. The natural degradation process begins as early as 10 years after installation. Just like other types of insulation, cellulose's lifespan is also dependent on the weather conditions, with humidity and moisture damaging the insulation immensely.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective and durable materials on the market. It's perfect for newly constructed homes as it doesn't shrink or absorb water. Plus, many people never have to replace their insulation because it can last a lifetime.
Although it's virtually indestructible, you should still check your insulation regularly to ensure it hasn't been damaged by weather, animals, or construction. By doing this, you'll be able to enjoy the full benefits of your investment.
General factors affecting your insulation’s lifespan
In general, it is important to be aware of your home’s history. Older houses may be equipped with very old, low-quality or improperly installed insulation. Additionally, they can be hiding serious health risks as old insulation materials sometimes contained asbestos and urea-formaldehyde.The older a house is, the more likely it is that you need to replace your insulation.
It’s also important to factor in technological advancements as insulation materials today are usually more energy-efficient than the same materials 10-20 years ago. Replacing your insulation, even if it is not deteriorating yet, can save you money on your energy bills because of the higher energy efficiency.
No type of insulation is invincible and there are some factors that can create serious problems and make a replacement more urgently needed:
- Water damage caused by leaks, blown-off shingles, etc. – a check is especially important after a more active hurricane season this year.
- Mold Growth caused by high humidity (Hello South Florida!) or water damage.
- Holes where the insulation was punctured by a storm, an animal, a move, etc.
- Dirt & Dust settling on the insulation.
- Animals like insects or rodents damage the insulation.
- Your insulation has just degraded over time.
If you’re not sure what condition your insulation is in, have our Koala Insulation of North Broward & Boca team go in and take a lot during our free insulation evaluation!
Signs your insulation needs to be replaced
Aside from figuring out the type and age of your insulation, there are many signs that can tell you if your insulation needs to be replaced soon:
- The temperature in your house is uneven or changes often.
- It is difficult to get your home to the right temperature and keep it there.
- Your A/C is working overtime.
- Your entire home or specific areas are drafty.
- Your energy bill is very high or has been getting higher over the last few months without any changes in your consumption.
- One of your family members is suffering from allergies or other respiratory problems and allergies have been getting worse.
- You frequently have to deal with moisture problems, condensation or leaks.
- You are having a problem with rats, mice, insects, pests, raccoons or other rodents.
- The insulation itself seems wet, thin or is breaking apart.
- There are lingering unpleasant odors in your home even after cleaning. This could be due to moisture problems.
If any of these problems sound familiar, it’s time to call Koala Insulation of North Broward & Boca for a free insulation evaluation to find out if your insulation needs to be replaced!