Your Guide To Insulation Removal
Knowing the proper time to remove old insulation and when removal is unnecessary can save you a lot of money. Many people believe that existing insulation needs to be taken out whenever they repair or install new insulation. This guide covers what you need to know about insulation removal.
When It’s Not Necessary to Remove Your Old Insulation
You may notice that your insulation has settled and become more compacted over time. When insulation settles, it takes up less space and one of the biggest signs of this is when you can see the studs in places like the attic. Your first instinct may be to remove the existing insulation, but you might be able to just apply new insulation to the old insulation to improve your energy efficiency.
There are times when your insulation may be misaligned. This doesn’t mean that you need to remove it, however. You can lift and fill the insulation to make sure that it’s both installed and working properly. The process begins with lifting the old insulation and blowing fill insulation into the gaps. This can insulate your electrical wiring, cross studs and cavities without the need to remove and dispose of your current insulation.
When You Need to Remove Insulation
If you notice water damage, it’s time for completely new insulation. The insulation needs to be removed before you can repair the damage and the old insulation is a safety hazard. When insulation is soaked with water, it becomes an ideal environment for mildew, mold and algae to grow. These microorganisms can invade the air you breathe and make you sick. The best course of action to repair water damage is to also replace any insulation that contains water.
Another reason you may want to remove old insulation is if you’ve got a rodent infestation. Mice and rats seek shelter during the colder months and may create a nest inside your insulation. The only way to eliminate the rodent infestation is to remove the insulation, remove the rodents, and then install new insulation.
Assess Your Situation Before Removing Insulation
Having your existing insulation removed adds an unneeded expense if you’d be better off keeping the insulation in place. It takes more man-hours to remove and then dispose of the insulation safely and this increases your bill. If you’re concerned about whether your insulation is affecting your air quality, having someone inspect it first before you act can help you determine the most appropriate course of action.
Even if you do remove old insulation, you need to have the attic and roof decking sealed to reduce drafts and improve air quality. Once your roof and attic are properly sealed, you won’t need to worry about dust and debris getting into your home.
How to Decide Whether to Repair or Remove Your Insulation
Before you can truly know what’s best for your situation, you need to have a home energy audit performed on your house. King Insulation offers free in-home estimates and we’ll let you know if you can save money by keeping your existing insulation. Contact us today at (602) 272-9297 to learn more.
