Attic Insulation Replacement in Cookeville TN After Pest Damage

We knew the attic had pest problems…just not this much

We figured the insulation would have to go

We were out at a home in Cookeville that was built back in 1979. The homeowner had already been dealing with pest issues for a while, so they called us to take a look at the attic. Honestly, before we even climbed the ladder, I figured we’d probably find a few spots that needed attention.

I was wrong.

Once we got up there, it was pretty obvious the old insulation had seen better days. There were signs of pests all over the place, and that stale attic smell hit you almost immediately. Not the worst we’ve ever walked into…but definitely one you don’t forget.
The homeowner looked up at us and said, “I just want to know it’s finally clean again.”

That stuck with me.

Once everything came out, it made more sense removing the old insulation always tells the real story. You can actually see what you’ve been working with instead of guessing.

We found plenty of places where air had been leaking into the attic over the years, so before we even thought about adding new insulation, we went through and air sealed everything we could. Those little gaps were doing nobody any favors.

There were a few old storage boxes tucked into one corner too. Nothing important. Just something you notice while you’re working.

By then the morning had warmed up, and even with the attic fans running…well.

It was a hot one.

We put it back together the right way

After the attic was cleaned out and sealed up, we installed an Attic Hatch Master to help stop conditioned air from escaping through the attic opening. Then we blew in new borate-treated cellulose insulation until the attic reached an R-38.

For a home that’s been around since the late ’70s, it was a pretty dramatic difference by the time we finished.

The borate treatment was a good fit considering what the homeowner had been dealing with. It gave them a little extra peace of mind on top of having a brand-new insulation system.

The rebate was a nice surprise

One thing the homeowner wasn’t expecting was that they qualified for a $500 rebate through the TVA EnergyRight Home Insulation & Air Sealing Program after the project met the program requirements. That’s always a fun conversation to have because saving money after you’ve already made the decision feels a whole lot better. The current program offers eligible homeowners up to a $500 rebate for qualifying attic insulation projects completed by approved contractors. (EnergyRight)

We work on homes throughout Cookeville and nearby communities like Sparta and Crossville, and every house has its own story.

This one started with pest problems, but it ended with a clean attic, fresh insulation, better air sealing, and one very relieved homeowner.

If your attic has old insulation, signs of pests, or just hasn’t been looked at in years, give Koala Insulation of Upper Cumberland a call or visit our website to schedule your FREE evaluation!