Attic insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years so it is not always obvious when precisely is the appropriate time to remove or replace the old insulation. Old insulation may be costing you money every minute that it is not doing its job properly. There are also instances where keeping the insulation may be dangerous for your health and well being.
There are a few signs that can point to the right time to remove and replace your old insulation.
Temperature Fluctuations
Although temperature fluctuations may be caused by anything from a faulty HVAC system to air leaks in your home, old insulation may be the cause of the random cool breezes in parts of your home. You may also notice that some parts of the attic tend to get hotter than others.
Insulation shifts and settles with age leaving gaps through which cool air can penetrate. If the insulation shifts to one side of the attic then that area of the space tends to get hotter than other parts.
Fixing this issue isn’t as simple as rearranging the insulation although this may offer temporary relief. If the insulation is old enough to settle and shift to the point of fluctuating temperatures, then it is old enough to be removed entirely and replaced with new and better quality insulation.
Pest Invasion in Attic
Pests or rodents in your attic are a serious threat even after they’re gone. Rodents and wildlife are particularly dangerous since their feces and urine contain numerous disease-causing pathogens the least of which is Hantavirus. Some of these bacteria and viruses can be inhaled and may cause illness and even death. Your HVAC system may aid in spreading these pathogens throughout the house.
Rodents and wildlife also leave behind pheromones that can be picked up by other pests and not necessarily those of the same species. If you have a problem with rodents and wildlife constantly breaking into your attic after the eviction, it might be because the residual pheromones are signalling to other animals in the vicinity that your home is an ideal nesting place. This signal can be picked up for up to a kilometre.
Cleaning your insulation sufficiently in both these cases is impossible and even dangerous. You should not touch or attempt to remove the insulation without proper safety equipment including a respirator mask and gloves or at all if you can help it.
Attic Insulation Toronto works on many of these cases every month including removing wildlife and removing and replacing the infected insulation.
High Energy Bills
Again, higher-than-usual energy bills may be caused by anything from faulty appliances and equipment to old or inefficient heating and cooling but you cannot rule out the attic insulation. Warm or cool air may be escaping through gaps in your insulation and it might be too old to be useful. The worry isn’t just the higher electric cost but that the HVAC system is forced to work on overdrive to maintain the appropriate temperature. This situation leads to unnecessary wear and tear on the system and impending repairs and even replacement.
Have an expert inspect the insulation and make a judgment whether it might be the cause of your inefficient heating and cooling.
Mold and Moisture Problems
Although most insulation is waterproof, this protection is only for small moisture problems. A serious leak in your attic almost definitely means you’ll have to replace the insulation. The damaged insulation loses a lot of its effectiveness when wet but is also prone to growing mold and mildew. Again, this may be transferred to the rest of the house via the ventilation system causing respiratory infections, allergic reactions and other serious health problems.
Make sure that the reason for the moisture problem, most commonly a roofing issue, is addressed before installing new insulation.
Older Than 1950
If your home was built in 1950 or before and the insulation has not been replaced, then you need to replace the old insulation as a matter of urgency. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation prior to 1950 and has since been proven to be a toxic material. Asbestos has been linked to cancer and its fibres can be inhaled.
If you are unsure of whether or not you might have asbestos insulation, our experts at Attic Insulation Toronto can test your insulation and give a report. Needless to say, you shouldn’t attempt to remove asbestos insulation yourself unless you are properly trained, equipped and certified for the job.
Hire Attic Insulation Toronto to remove and replace the old insulation. Our modern methods and equipment allow us to do the job neatly and quickly and dispose of toxic materials responsibly. We are also happy to recommend and install new insulation based on your unique needs. Call us today to book an inspection: 647-931-6385