February 9, 2022
Old insulation can cause a lot of problems in your Vermont or New Hampshire home, from cold drafts to outrageously high energy bills. But it isn’t always easy to tell if your insulation is old, or to know when you should replace old insulation.
Vermont Foam Insulation is the premier insulation company in VT and NH, and we can help you decide if it’s time for new insulation installation at your home.
Here are four of the most common signs of bad insulation that needs to be replaced:
1. Water Damage
When insulation gets wet, it needs to be replaced. Moisture damage can reduce the effectiveness of certain insulation materials, and it can also lead to additional problems like mold growth.
If your insulation is only wet in one particular area, you likely have a water leak that needs to be addressed. But, if there is widespread water damage, air is likely getting into your home through small openings called air leaks, and carrying moisture in with it. In this case, the old insulation should be entirely removed, properly disposed of and replaced with insulation that won’t leak air like spray foam.
2. Insulation Is Dirty or Ripped or Sagging
Pests and rodents, especially mice, are attracted to insulation and can often be found nesting in it. If your attic insulation, smells, looks dirty or is torn up, you could be dealing with a pest infestation. Pests infestations can go unnoticed for long periods of time and can be a sign that your insulation is old and should be replaced.
Pests bring allergens and bacteria into your home, which can make your family sick, and they also destroy your insulation. If you notice signs of pests in your insulation, it needs to be removed and replaced right away.
3. Mold
Mold is a dead giveaway that your insulation is old and needs to be replaced. Moldy insulation can lower your indoor air quality and lead to health problems for your family. Plus, where there’s mold, there’s water, and as we mentioned above, wet insulation is not effective and is a strong sign of air leakage. If there’s mold in your insulation, schedule insulation removal as soon as possible.
4. Outdated Materials
It’s possible to date your insulation based on the material it’s made out of. Fiberglass batt insulation was common in decades past and can often be found in older homes. Fiberglass batts look like blankets and can be pink, yellow, or white. If you have older insulation materials in your home, it’s a good sign that your insulation hasn’t been updated in a while.
Old Insulation Can Cause Serious Problems in Your Home
Old, damaged, and dirty insulation can cause a lot of problems for New Hampshire and Vermont homeowners:
Uncomfortable or inconsistent temperatures
Drafty rooms or halls
Ice dams on your roof
High energy bills
Poor indoor air quality
Solve Your Insulation Problem With New Insulation Installation
Ready to solve your insulation problem? Vermont Foam Insulation is the insulation company NH and VT homeowners trust most. We’ve been in business since 2006 and are committed to making our customers' homes as comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient as possible with leading insulation products. Plus, we’re a partner with the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES) program and can help you qualify for insulation rebates to make your upgrade more affordable.