BOULDER Blog

Should You Replace Insulation When Remodeling?

There are many moving parts during a home improvement project. As you’re working, other tasks pop up, and creative ideas spring to mind. While it’s key to stay focused and stick to the plan to remain cost-effective and on schedule, this can present an opportunity to take care of several needs at once. One of the advantages you can take while improving your home is to look at the current condition of your insulation.

Evaluating your insulation during a remodel project allows you to access older insulation. This will reduce health risks and hazards and lower energy costs. Especially if you’re in the middle of a significant renovation, replacing deteriorated insulation can increase your return on investment. Our experts at Koala Insulation have explained how an insulation evaluation during your remodel can help you meet several goals in one job.

Insulation Benefits

Insulation is critical to improving climate control. A material slows heat transfer, the rate at which heat moves through a structure. Insulation is installed throughout the home based on code requirements, your climate zone, and the house's specific needs. The material's efficiency is measured by its R-value, also known as resistance value; generally, a higher R-value means better resistance.

However, many homeowners aren’t aware of the additional benefits insulation provides to a house. Updated insulation acts as a vapor and moisture barrier, improves indoor air quality and reduces noise between rooms, floors, and the outside. Most remodel efforts enhance aesthetics, reduce costs, and improve functionality. Insulation can significantly contribute to these efforts, especially if the material has deteriorated and needs removal and replacement.

Why You Should Reinsulate Your Home During a Remodel

Access to Older Insulation

If you're already planning on repainting, removing drywall, or repairing damages to the building envelope, this is an excellent opportunity to gain access to hard-to-reach insulation. For example, when you need to retrofit insulation in the walls, you may need to remove drywall or a small piece of the wall. This is to reach the material. When repairing these spaces, there's less concern about the impact on the existing structure when updating insulation and air sealing.

When working in crawl spaces, attic crevices, and around wallboards, take the extra step to inspect the insulation in these spaces. While you can calculate the current R-value for materials like batts, it’s also necessary to look at the insulation condition. Check for signs of moisture, pests, and other damages or deflation. These are not only signs to remove and replace the material as soon as possible. However, they can also reveal more serious problems like water damage, infestation, or significant air leaks.

Reduces Health Risks

Checking your insulation during a remodel is crucial to protecting you and your household from potential health risks and hazards. As mentioned earlier, when you or an insulation technician inspect the material, you must look for signs of moisture or pests. While many insulation materials can last up to 15 years, some variables increase the deterioration rate. Discovering water damage or pest nests can point you to more significant problems such as leaks, structural damage, and infestation.

During your home renovation, you must watch for previously hidden damages in areas typically considered "out of sight, out of mind." Upgraded insulation and air sealing can significantly minimize these risks. For example, air sealing in your home prevents air leaks while reducing bacteria, allergens, and other outdoor pollutants. This also assists the vapor barrier created by insulation, which reduces incoming moisture and condensation from areas like your ceiling, floors, and exterior walls.

Reduces Energy Costs

Finally, you’re most likely remodeling to make a positive return on investment choices. Whether it’s to increase your home’s value, improve energy efficiency, or reduce costs with upgraded products. With adequate coverage and properly installed insulation, you can significantly improve each aspect, but it dramatically impacts your energy costs.

When your home has deteriorated or poorly installed insulation, unwanted heat comes in during the summer, and desired warmth escapes throughout the winter. As a result, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep up with the thermostat temperature. Not only does this drastically increase your heating and cooling bills, but it can also lead to higher maintenance fees to repair your overworked unit. Insulation helps your home maintain climate control, temperature regulation, and indoor air quality. This lowers your HVAC needs and energy costs, even during extreme temperatures throughout the year.

Consult Local Industry Experts for Your Next Project

When you’re looking to make changes around the house, it can spiral into new projects, remodel plans, and expectations. One of the most valuable things a homeowner on the verge of home improvement overload can do is focus on realistic expectations and consolidate where possible. Remodeling is an excellent opportunity to care for old, deteriorated, or damaged insulation.

At Koala Insulation, our local teams provide free evaluations to give you and your household a look at the current condition of your home's insulation. The EPA estimates 90% of U.S. homes have poor insulation and air sealing, contributing to discomfort, fluctuating temperatures, and high energy costs. With a breakdown of the house's material status, you can plan a cost-effective and energy-efficient upgrade that prioritizes your home's needs. Contact the Koala Insulation of Boulder team to learn more about insulation's influence on home renovations.