When Should You Remove Your Old Insulation?

The insulation in your home isn’t something you think about often, but you’d certainly notice if it weren’t there! Insulation helps maintain the desired internal temperature while eliminating uncomfortable drafts of hot or cold from outside. Insulation helps prevent frozen pipes, dampens sound, and adds another layer of protection for your home.

Many homeowners aren’t sure when they should replace their insulation, but there are a few tell-tale signs it’s time to remove the old insulation and start fresh.

Replacing Old Insulation

The most common reason to remove old insulation is if you’re replacing it with something new. Two types of insulation, in particular, require the removal of any old insulation to get the best results. The first type is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is designed to be sprayed into a space where it then expands to fill even the smallest nooks and crannies. If there’s old insulation still in the way, the spray foam won’t be able to grow to reach every area effectively. 

The second type of insulation that requires the removal of any old insulation is faced insulation. Faced insulation has a vapor barrier. Moisture pockets will quickly form if that barrier is installed on top of old insulation. This increases your risk of moisture damage and mold. By removing all old insulation first, the faced insulation vapor barrier can work as intended.

Rodents in the Home

Another reason you might need to remove old insulation is if you’re battling unwanted rodents in your home. Rodents can use insulation to nest and create a comfy home they won’t want to leave. As part of the extermination process, removing old insulation will ensure no rodents or rodent droppings are left behind. You’ll also be able to get a better look at the electrical work in your walls to assess any damage caused by the rodents.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen for several reasons, but it’s never good. Properly repairing water damage requires removing all materials that got wet, including the old insulation. Removing the old insulation before installing new drywall or working on the interior painting will make for a better result and reduce the risk of mold in your home. Any new drywall or interior painting will eventually be damaged from the trapped moisture if the insulation is left.

Contact Anderson Insulation ME 

If you need help removing your old insulation, contact Anderson Insulation ME today! Our team of experts can assess your current insulation to determine if it’s time to remove it. If it needs to be removed, our team is trained in safe insulation removal, so you won’t have to worry about any mess in your home or damage to its structure.