Should You Replace Damaged Blown-in Insulation In Your Attic?
Blown-in insulation is a good choice when you want to insulate your attic. Whether you already have it or are considering it in the near future, you may have questions about this type of insulation. So keep reading to learn more!
What Is Blown-in Insulation And Why Use It In The Attic?
Blown-in insulation is made of loose, small fragments of material. The process uses compressed air to spray the insulation into an area. Depending on your specific needs, blown-in insulation can be used instead of, or in addition to, standard rolls of insulation.
However, blown-in insulation is better than standard insulation alone. It provides benefits you would not have if you only used rolls. As temperature control is one of the main reasons for insulating your home, blown-in insulation is the most effective.
Whether you want to keep your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter, insulating your attic will prevent outdoor air from coming into your house. And your air conditioner or heating system will work at its best.
When you insulate your attic, it can also reduce noise. As a result, your home can become quieter and feel more comfortable.
The reason blown-in insulation is the most effective type of insulation is it will fill any hole and tight void around pipes or wiring in your attic space. There are no gaps or openings for air or sound to come in.
Does Blown-in Insulation Need To Be Replaced?
Regardless of the type of insulation you have, it eventually wears out and therefore should be replaced at some point. The small particles of blown-in insulation settle, and are no longer as effective. Even the best product cannot last forever.
So if you have had the insulation for a long time, or it was present when you purchased your house, a replacement can be useful.
When And How Often Should You Replace Blown-in Insulation?
You can reasonably expect your blown-in insulation to last for a good few years. After the insulation starts to settle, it will not work as efficiently. Settling will leave a small gap that is uninsulated.
There are some circumstances that could cause your insulation to become damaged. Some insulation materials are not waterproof. If you have a leaky roof or another source of moisture in your attic, it can result in unhealthy mold growth.
Keep in mind that all types of insulation are enticing to rodents and various pests. If you have bugs, mice, or other unwanted guests living in your attic, your insulation will need to be replaced sooner than usual.
Under normal circumstances, though, there are easier ways to notice if you have damaged insulation that needs to be replaced. One example is if your home is no longer comfortable to live in. You may be feeling drafts that you did not feel before. While there can be numerous causes of drafts in your house, damaged insulation is one possibility.
Insulation that needs to be replaced can also cause temperatures to fluctuate throughout your house. If you normally have a steady temperature in your home, you should not have different temperatures in different rooms. This can be a clear sign the insulation is no longer as effective as it was before.
Another sign is an increase in your energy bills. When the insulation in your attic wears out, your HVAC system takes more energy to work. If you are having higher energy bills than usual, and there is no other reason for the increase, it is time to have your attic evaluated by a professional.
If you are having any of these experiences, it is a good idea to take it seriously. Do not look at discomfort or higher bills as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. If you suspect there may be birds, bugs, or rodents in your attic, or that moisture may be accumulating, these problems can pose health hazards, too.
The average homeowner is not equipped to do insulation replacement successfully. It can be a difficult process for an untrained person. It is easy to make mistakes that can be messy, time-consuming, and expensive.
If you believe your blown-in insulation is damaged and should be replaced, insulation contractors can do the job for you. You can have excellent results at an affordable price. Contact our local team of experts at Pest Control Authority Wildlife in Charlotte or Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to inquire about our crawlspace and attic insulation services.
After all, if you are not entirely certain whether replacement is necessary, ask us for your attic inspection. You can look forward to a safe, comfortable home, and reasonable energy bills again.
