November 2, 2020
If you’re planning on upgrading your insulation, you may wonder why it's a good idea to remove your old insulation. The pros at Vermont Foam Insulation have spent a lot of time in the attics of Southern Vermont and Southwestern New Hampshire, and while it is possible to leave old insulation in place, it’s not the best option if you’re looking to maximize the value of your insulation upgrade.
Do I Need to Remove Old Insulation Before Installing New?
While it might seem economical to simply add new insulation on top of old insulation, so that you don’t have to pay for as much new insulation and can save a little bit of money, there are several reasons why it’s better to start over fresh.
Clear the Decks for Air Sealing
If you’re upgrading the insulation in your Vermont or New Hampshire home, it’s also important to air seal at the same time. If your home experiences drafts, excess dust, or rooms that are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, these may be symptoms of air leaks.
Air leaks can lower the effectiveness of many types of insulation, and they also allow dust, allergens, viruses, and bacteria to infiltrate your home. If you’ve got leaks that need to be sealed, one of the benefits of completely removing your old insulation is that it allows you access to air seal at the same time that you upgrade your insulation.
Signs Your Old Insulation Needs to Be Removed
Wet Insulation
Has your roof developed any leaks in recent months? This could be from ice dams or loose flashing around your chimney. No matter how it happened, water and moisture are not good for cellulose or fiberglass attic insulation. Moisture can compress insulation, reducing its ability to control the transfer of heat. In addition, many types of insulation act like a big sponge when exposed to water or excess moisture. Wet insulation can lead to musty mildew smells and unhealthy mold build-up as well.
Animal infestation
If your attic or exterior walls have hosted mice, squirrels, or other critters, your insulation has likely collected animal feces and other unhealthy debris—yuck! In this case, removing old insulation is the best approach.
How Is Insulation Removed?
The professionals at Vermont Foam Insulation have the right equipment and expertise to remove your old insulation. We’ll employ a large vacuum-like device to collect the old insulation and dispose of it safely and properly. We’re used to getting into the tight attic spaces that can hide old smelly insulation to remove it to provide your home insulation upgrade a clean slate. Whether its cellulose or spray foam you select, ensuring that access to surfaces allows us to make sure your home is well sealed to enhance your insulation performance.
Spray Foam Insulation Requires Bare Surfaces
If you are opting for the combined air sealing and insulation benefits of spray foam insulation from the professionals at Vermont Foam Insulation, the best results rely on getting a clean surface for application. Spray foam is a great option for homeowners who are done with ongoing insulation issues. Spray foam will keep your home sealed and well-insulated for a lifetime. Plus you’ll start saving energy and money on day one!
Insulation Upgrades Offer Savings!
Many Southern Vermont homeowners take advantage of Efficiency Vermont’s valuable rebates—up to $4,000!—when you improve your home’s energy efficiency.. As a participating contractor with Efficiency Vermont and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® we’ll make sure your insulation upgrade is done according to these guidelines.