Investing in good insulation will keep your space comfortable, lower your heating bills, and make it more energy-efficient. However, many homeowners neglect to properly insulate their homes or inspect the insulation they already have. As a result, they usually become aware of the poor state of their old insulation once they begin to think about replacing or installing one.
This situation probably raises the question of whether to remove old insulation before installing a new one for your Hamilton residence. And in most cases, the answer is no. However, you must fully understand the circumstances under which removal might be needed. Read on to learn more!
Should I remove the old insulation?
Insulation typically deteriorates with age, so it can no longer regulate temperatures and insulate your house effectively. It is common for insulation materials to go bad due to shifting and settling, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight. Whatever the reason, it will eventually wear out and fail to maintain a comfortable home temperature.
Several types of circumstances require you to remove existing insulation:
Old, damaged, and ineffective insulation should be completely removed and replaced with a brand new one.
It might not be the insulation that is causing the problem. Your house may not operate efficiently due to air leaks around the windows, poor attic ventilation, and other problems.
Check your old insulation for asbestos before adding any new materials.
On the other hand, covering your old insulation with a new one makes sense, when circumstances permit it.
You’re adding loose-fill insulation
When combined with pre-existing insulation, loose-fill insulation performs even better. There’s no restriction on where it can be placed, and it won’t cause any harmful chemical reactions when mixed with other types.
By replacing old insulation with loose-fill insulation, you can increase your home’s R-value, reducing your monthly energy bills and improving its overall energy efficiency. However, keep in mind it’s only advisable to add this type only if the existing one is still in good condition. For your own safety, make sure you get rid of any insulation that has suffered water damage, mold, rodents, or fire damage.
You’re adding batt or rolled insulation
A similar principle applies to batt and rolled insulation, no matter if it’s made from fiberglass or cellulose. It’s important to note that these insulation types will preserve their R-values for a long time, provided they are kept dry, mold-free, and rodent-free. So feel free to mix it up, but keep one thing in mind.
In cases where an energy audit revealed improperly aligned insulation rolls, removing them might be the simplest solution. Despite some of retained insulating properties, misaligned insulation is no longer fully effective.
Depending on the structure of your home, a seasoned team may be able to fix this problem using “lift and fill” method. Here, each roll or batt is lifted and repositioned back to its original position.
Where can I find a trusted insulation company in Hamilton and the region?
Want to know which insulation is best for stud walls? Or perhaps you’d like to recycle your old insulation or you need expert advice on how much insulation you should use in your home? You’re in the right place! Allied Experts is equipped with a team of highly trained, dedicated, and talented professionals who can handle any project. No matter if you live near Veterans Park or elsewhere in the area, we’re here to help. You can count on us to optimize the efficiency and comfort of your home, addressing your plumbing and HVAC concerns in a timely and professional manner.
