How To Know if Your Home Needs Replacement Insulation

Insulation is an essential part of keeping our homes comfortable all year. The world would look different if we didn’t have this vital product, but knowing if you have damaged or ineffective insulation is difficult. In most cases, you can’t physically see the insulation, so how are you supposed to check? There are signs that will hint that your home needs replacement insulation. Continue reading below to explore the indications.

Insulation Has Water Damage

You may have a leak if you glance up at your ceiling and notice dark spots or brown-colored splotches. You could also have wet flooring as part of the leak. Mold is sure to follow moisture, and that’s not something any homeowner wants to deal with. It can harm yourself and the rest of the family—not to mention the problems mold and mildew cause for your home and insulation.

Once certain insulation types experience water damage, it’s time to replace them. It’s also important to note that ineffective insulation can inadvertently cause water damage. Pay attention to any condensation on the inside of your windows.

Pro Insulation Tip

Insulation can help prevent water damage. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is waterproof and can prevent water from leaking into your home. The dense material is resistant to many elements, including water.

Your Home Feels Drafty

Does your home feel more drafty than usual? Subpar insulation leads to temperature differences between floors and areas of your house. For example, when it’s summer outside, one room in your house might feel warm while another feels hot and humid. Your home’s insulation needs replacing because it’s failing you.

Depending on the season, the HVAC unit must work much harder to adequately cool or heat your home when your insulation isn’t doing its job. The more often your unit has to run, the higher your energy bills. No homeowner wants heating and cooling issues. You can avoid this by replacing your insulation so that your family can feel comfortable in your home again.

Lingering Foul Odors

Are there parts of your home that smell even after you clean? Even if you don’t see physical evidence of leaks, water can still ruin your insulation. Since not all insulation types are waterproof, they will absorb moisture and begin to develop mold and mildew. This odor is a significant sign it’s time to replace the insulation.

Leaks anywhere near insulation will compromise its integrity and lifespan. However, broken pipes aren’t the only thing that could cause the leak. Instead, snow can melt and seep into your attic or basement walls. Rain can also overflow from your gutters, causing excess moisture to build up and creep into your walls and insulation. High humidity is another moisture factor that’s not good for certain insulation types.

Mold and mildew create foul odors that no family member will want to smell. Check inside your walls or attic if you can’t seem to get rid of the pesky scent; it could be a sign that it’s time to replace the insulation.

Higher Than Usual Energy Bills

It’s no surprise that during certain seasons, many homeowners will face higher energy bills. Winter and summer, depending on your region, are excellent examples of this. If you begin to notice a significant spike in your electric bill, it may be time to replace your insulation with a more energy-efficient version.

It could be that your insulation has damage or that it’s getting older and losing its effectiveness. Either way, hire a professional to assess your home and help you make your property more energy-efficient. Replacement insulation can make a significant difference in your monthly bills.

Bad Allergy Symptoms

Are family members sniffling and sneezing more often? Are they finding they’re developing more intense allergy symptoms? Do these symptoms seem to be persistent? Put down the intense allergy medication—it could signify it’s time to replace your insulation.

Your insulation could hold mold or mildew, releasing harmful contaminants into your home. Mold spores can cause worsened allergy symptoms. Upgrading your insulation is a great idea for anyone in your home who suffers from seasonal or other allergies. Spray foam insulation will air-seal your home to help keep those pesky allergens away. You’ll enjoy less sneezing and more deep breathing in the uncontaminated air in your home.

Contact Paragon Protection to help create a safe and healthy environment in your home. We provide local spray foam insulation in Crystal Lake, Illinois, surrounding communities, and the greater Chicagoland area.

Factors That Can Reduce Insulation’s Lifespan

Insulation should last for years, but unfortunately, some factors can lessen the longevity of your home’s insulation.

Water damage is a significant factor that can cause harm. Water ruins your insulation’s lifespan unless you have closed-cell spray foam, which is waterproof. Mold and mildew will begin to grow, which will affect the product’s effectiveness. A fire or severe storm damage will also ruin your insulation’s longevity.

If you have pests running around in your attic, they have likely interacted with your insulation as well. The dust, debris, and other unwanted materials accumulating on your insulation ruin the product’s ability to function by slowly wearing it down.

Age is another factor to keep in mind. If you recently moved into an older home and the previous owners didn’t update the insulation, you may want to have a professional assess how well the product works. No insulation will last forever, but some types are more effective than others. Talk with a local professional insulation installer to understand which type will benefit your home the most.

Different Types of Insulation

Not all insulations work the same. Plenty of different types are available on the market so that you can properly insulate your house.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is the most durable, reliable, and effective form of insulation. It will stay put until professionals remove it, and it doesn’t hold water.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass has been the cost-effective, popular choice for homeowners for decades. It can last up to a century if it remains in the best conditions possible.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is the most eco-friendly option and is incredibly effective at blocking air. Remember, since it uses recyclable materials, this option does break down over time. Homeowners will typically only get around 30 years with cellulose insulation.

If you notice any of the above signs, contact a professional insulation installer immediately to come out and assess your home’s insulation. They can help you decide if it’s time to replace the insulation and which product will best serve your house.