Some of us barely use our attics, making it all the more likely for us not to pay much attention to its insulation. While adequately insulated attic guards against heat transfer from our home, neglecting your insulation could result in higher utility bills.
Do you have to remove your attic insulation to install new material? No. If your insulation is intact or only needs some additional material, you can get by without removal. So, when should you consider calling Stellr attic insulation removal service? Simply put, what are the tell-tale signs your attic insulation needs removal? Let’s answer these and some of the other queries that may be on your mind.
Degraded Insulation
Over time, insulation settles and gets packed down, especially if it’s fiberglass. This reduces its R-value and efficiency in your attic space. As a result, your attic insulation may lose its capacity to do its job as well as it once did. Your insulating material may also degrade due to a variety of other reasons, including the following:
1. Pests
Unfortunately, our little ‘friends’ (mice and squirrels) love to find their way into our attics. These critters love to nest in soft, warm insulation. They will also happily chew through electrical wiring while they’re at it, which might pose other potential hazards.
With a keen eye, you’ll notice evidence of pests or rodents in your attic. A pest infestation can be unsightly, although this would be the least of your concerns if your insulation is on the line. Plus, it can severely degrade the quality of your insulation, making it much less effective. If you see droppings, nesting material, or pests, it might be time to schedule an attic insulation removal.
2. Water Damage
If your roof has leaks, chances are your insulation might get damaged. Water-logged insulation doesn’t work as well as dry insulation, so it needs replacement as soon as possible.
For instance, old fiberglass is a mold magnet, and water seepage usually worsens the problem. If you see any mold or mildew in your attic, on your insulation, or on the underside of your roof, it’s advisable to have it professionally removed.
3. Allergies
Although the cause of an allergy can be difficult to pinpoint, your attic insulation could be a culprit. If you have vermin nesting in your insulation, the odor from their droppings could cause respiratory issues when inhaled.
And if your insulation shows signs of water damage, mold and mildew could also be to blame for allergies. Before the situation spirals and for the sake of your family’s health, it’s advisable to have your insulation removed and replaced.
Excess Insulation
As it turns out, some of us believe that extra insulation is the way to go! Now, is it necessarily a bad thing. Probably not. And while overuse of insulation isn’t a common issue, it can lead to premature degradation of the material.
Take the case of a leaking roof, for instance. If you use excess insulation and water seeps into it, it could degrade in short order as moisture builds up.
Upgrading Your Insulation
The plan to upgrade your attic’s insulation means one thing: the removal of all the old material. It might also be an excellent time to check for any signs of pests, water damage, or mold, and deal with them accordingly.
It’s advisable to deal with each issue before upgrading your insulation. Once you have, you can choose from various insulation types, depending on your needs and budget. These include:
- Fiberglass batts
- Blown-in cellulose
- Spray foam
- Mineral wool
Insulation materials such as fiberglass work well with your existing or old insulation. But, in most cases, the best course of action is to get rid of the old material. Spray foam, for instance, does not mix well with other insulation types and could cause problems down the road.
Ideally, the key is to work with a professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach. And when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have your attic insulation removed by a professional.
Sure, if you’re hot on DIY, you can handle an attic insulation removal on your own. But, if you want to ensure the job is done right, it’s best to call in the professionals like First Defense Insulation who have expertise in the field. An expert service like that stated above can remove all types of attic insulation quickly and efficiently. Plus, they can deliver longer-lasting results despite the higher upfront cost.
Don’t wait until your attic insulation is entirely ineffective to deal with the problem. Call an expert to evaluate the condition of your home’s insulation before deciding which route to take.