Insulation 101: Should I remove my insulation?
August 3, 2022
Attics can be gross. We’ve seen hot and humid attics, dusty and dirty attics, mold from roof leaks, and unexpected critters. So as you may expect, removing insulation from an attic can be a tough job. If you do need insulation removed from an attic, be sure to leave it to a professional to avoid common DIY mistakes and potential heath hazards you may not be protected from.
So, do you actually need to remove your insulation or not?
Old insulation typically retains some R-value, so it’s common to recommend leaving the old and adding new insulation on top. This is the most economical path to improved energy efficiency. However, in certain circumstances removal of the old insulation may be required.
Roof Leaks (Wet or moldy insulation)
Any amount of water at all in an attic can and will lead to damaged insulation and eventually, mold. Mold is a health hazard that must be remediated as quickly as possible for good air quality in the home. Any time insulation has gotten wet, that section should be removed, the area dried, and new insulation blown-in.
Critter Infestation (Mice, squirrels, raccoons, bats, etc.)
Critters love attics! They’re warm and private for them to hide. However, different animals introduce different hazards and diseases. The first step in pest remediation should be extraction of the animals, then sealing of the entrance they used to get inside. Next, the insulation should be removed as more pests and pest feces will be hiding under the insulation. Finally, the area will be be sprayed by your insulation expert with a disinfecting enzyme and new insulation will be installed.
House Fire or Smoke (Damaged insulation)
Both fire and smoke damage insulation to an extent that it must be removed. If there is a fire, the insulation material may release smells and gases that become hazardous after long periods of time – similar to burning plastic. If there is smoke in the home, the insulation will absorb and retain that bad smell. The best course of action to fire or smoke is to completely remove the insulation and start fresh.
Funky Smells
Funky smells can be caused by all sorts of things (pests, water damage, etc), which you may not be able to pinpoint until the insulation is lifted out of the attic so it can be visible. If you have funky smells coming from your attic, it’s time to get it removed and replaced.
Walking or Storage in Attic (Trampled or compacted insulation)
Insulation looks fluffy, and it is designed to stay that way. When contractors enter an attic and trample the fluffy insulation, it loses its R-value and becomes less effective than it should be. Additionally, using an attic for extra storage likely means that your fluffy insulation has been smashed under boxes or Christmas decorations. That insulation also should be removed and replaced to reach the required R-values.
Making the decision to remove or not remove insulation can be tricky, but at Koala Insulation of St. Louis, we always provide our honest opinion and treat your project as if it were our own home. If another company suggests removal when you have no damage to your current insulation, you should ask lots of questions to understand if removal is truly required or not.
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Related Posts:
How To Tell If Your Home Is Under Insulated
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Insulation https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/How-to-Reduce-Your-Carbon-Footprint-with-Insulation
5 Reasons One Room Is Hotter (or Colder) Than The Rest Of The House https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/5-Reasons-One-Room-Hotter-Colder-Than-the-Rest-of-the-House
4 Reasons Insulation is Important in St. Louis https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/4-Reasons-Insulation-is-Important-in-St-Louis
Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency: Insulation, Air Sealing, Solar https://koalainsulation.com/saint-louis/blog-detail/Tax-Credits-for-Energy-Efficiency-Insulation-AirSealing-Solar
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