BIRMINGHAM Blog

How to Know the Best Time to Replace Your Insulation

Your energy expenditures will increase if your home's insulation deteriorates.

It's probably time to upgrade your insulation if your house makes you shiver and your energy bills make you sweat. Insulation older than ten years may no longer meet the most recent regulations of the US Department of Energy. 

Find out how long it lasts to determine whether it's time to upgrade your insulation for greater energy efficiency. In this article, you can also learn where to find insulation contractors in Birmingham, AL. 

How Long Will the Insulation Last?

The insulation in your home has a different lifespan depending on the materials used. See what to anticipate from typical home insulation kinds.

Fiberglass

With the right upkeep, fiberglass, a material that is frequently used in American homes, may survive for 80 to 100 years. But by year 15, homeowners must start looking for weak spots in the fiberglass. 

Broken pieces on the floor or batts that have come loose from frames are the first indications that fiberglass is failing.

Cellulose

The plant-based, eco-friendly cellulose insulation in your home is designed to endure 20 to 30 years. However, cellulose insulation may start to break down after 15 years. Since cellulose insulation is made of plants, water, mold, bugs, and other animals can cause it to degrade over time.

Mineral Wool 

Age is just a measurement, but mineral wood insulation provides benefits and can last up to 100 years.

Spray Foam 

Because spray foam insulation in Birmingham, AL, can last 80 years before it needs to be renewed, it provides lifetime insulation.

Factors to Think About Concerning Batt Insulation

Since fiberglass insulation was installed in your home within the last 20 years, you might believe you are safe. But you should check to see if you have batt or blown-in insulation. In contrast to blown-in insulation, which will appear solid, bat insulation will appear fluffy.

One variety of portioned-wrapped insulation is batt insulation in Birmingham, AL. As opposed to blown-in insulation, batt insulation can start to deteriorate after 15 years.

Factors That Could Reduce the Insulation's Lifespan

No insulation is perfect or impenetrable to harm, regardless of the type you have in your house or how long it is supposed to last.

Any of the following variables can dramatically reduce the longevity of your insulation, which also increases the likelihood that it will need to be replaced:

• Your roof was harmed by water.
• The insulation has mold on it.
• Holes are piercing the insulator.
• It's beginning to become dusty or dirty on the insulation. (Over time, dust can build up on insulation, reducing its effectiveness.)
• A fire or severe weather conditions have impacted your home.
• You suspect the insulation in your older home may have been built incorrectly or with inferior materials by the previous owners.
• The "loose fill insulation" or "batt insulation" that was used begins to leak after 15 or 20 years (which can settle over time, leading to air leaks).

How to Know When to Replace Your Insulation

Your home may be more difficult to heat and cool if the insulation is older. It is a solid sign that your insulation is deteriorating when the temperature inside your house feels different from what the thermostat shows.

The following are further red flags indicating your insulation needs to be updated:

• Higher energy costs
• Internal temperature changes 
• Draftiness
• Moisture 
• Pests

Although these signs occasionally have other causes, it is advisable to start by checking your insulation. In reality, you can see obvious indicators of deterioration by just evaluating the insulation in your attic or unfinished rooms. 

You might also remove the covers from the outlets to examine inside the wall. Just be sure first to switch off the electricity. Search for:

Visible floor joists being separated, thin, and falling due to moisture

Insulating a Current House

If your house wasn't built with energy efficiency in mind, increasing the insulation should help you cut your energy costs. Adding insulation to an older home can quickly pay for itself, even though many contemporary homes have better insulation than older ones.

You must first evaluate how much and where insulation already exists in your home before deciding whether to add more. An insulation check is frequently included in the whole-house energy evaluation performed by a qualified home energy assessor. 

An energy assessment, commonly referred to as a home energy audit can identify sections of your property that require sealing off. Make sure your home is appropriately air-sealed before you insulate it.

Conclusion 

You must replace the insulation to safeguard your property from high temperatures and lower your energy expenditures. It's important first to determine the type of insulation you have and the type most suitable for your home. You should also be aware of the different installation methods, costs, and safety precautions that need to be taken when replacing your home's insulation. While the process may seem overwhelming and costly, it's important to look at the long-term benefits of replacing your home's insulation. Doing so will help you and your family stay comfortable and save money in the long run.

Trust Koala Insulation Birmingham, the attic experts with 50+ years of combined insulation installation experience in spray foam, blown-in, and batt. Speak to insulation contractors in Birmingham, AL, today!