WEST FLORIDA Blog

What Retrofitting Insulation Means and Why You May Need It 

Since insulation isn’t often seen in your home or building, most people don’t consider the state and efficiency of their insulation and just assume that it is doing what it is supposed to do. However, if you didn’t own your home or building when the insulation was installed, you might need to consider what is known as “retrofitting” insulation.

What does retrofitting insulation mean?

Retrofitting insulation means installing insulation anytime after the construction of a home or building has been completed. If you are not the original owner of your home or building and it is older than 15 years old, it is worth investing in an insulation retrofit, especially if you notice drafts, uneven temperatures, or increasing energy bills.

An insulation retrofit will involve either supplementing the existing insulation or replacing it entirely. Regardless of which is the best choice for your property, your home will become more comfortable and energy efficient (meaning lower bills!). 

Most Common Reasons for Retrofitting Insulation

Here are some of the most common reasons why buildings need retrofitting insulation.

1. Poor Existing Insulation

If you feel that your cooling and heating bills are much higher than they should be, it may be an indication that the insulation in your building is not working properly. This may be due to the age of the insulation or because it was not installed correctly in the first place.

An inspection of your insulation by an expert technician will give you a better idea of the condition of your insulation, and they can recommend the right type of retrofit insulation for you.

2. HVAC Updates

If you have updated your HVAC system recently, you may find that you need to update your insulation as it may have caused gaps in your insulation, resulting in decreased efficacy. An insulation expert will be able to provide you with advice on what type of retrofitting insulation will be needed.

3. City Code Compliance

Another common reason for retrofitting insulation is as a result of changes to city codes. This most often impacts owners of commercial buildings, but it could also apply if you are a homeowner, depending on where you live.

Many cities are updating their city codes to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. If you own an older building, you should make sure that your insulation complies with the current city codes. 

4. Building-Use Changes

This will only apply to commercial buildings that you are looking to repurpose. If you have purchased a commercial building that was formerly used as a warehouse, for example, and you are looking to change the building use, the chances are that you will need retrofit insulation to transform it into a comfortable office or retail space.

How do I know if my home or building needs an insulation retrofit?

Generally speaking, if your home is over 15 years old, there’s a good chance that it needs an update. To find out whether your home or building needs retrofitting insulation for sure, schedule an inspection by a qualified insulation technician. They will be able to provide expert advice on what type of retrofit insulation your building will need to make it as energy efficient as possible and keep it compliant with city codes.

Retrofit Insulation in West Florida 

By booking an inspection with Koala Insulation of West Florida, your home or building will be inspected from top to bottom to provide you with a tailored insulation solution. We offer a range of different types of insulation including blown-in insulation, spray foam, and batt insulation, so we’ll be able to retrofit insulation that best suits your home. s

To find out more about the types of insulation we offer or to book your free insulation evaluation online, click here.