How Long Should Insulation in Your Home Last?

You will find many types of insulation materials. Insulation is designed to last a long time. However, for several reasons, that isn’t always the case.

You should know that the two main causes of degrading insulation are water or moisture and animals. When should I replace my insulation? The life of insulation varies depending on the materials used in your home. Here are some common types of home insulation:

» Spray Foam Insulation

You may know that spray foam insulation has recently become popular in newly-constructed homes. This is because it is durable, reliable, and air-tight. There are two main types of spray foam insulation that are used: open-cell and closed-cell.

Both kinds of spray foam insulation can easily last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. However, closed-cell spray foam insulation has a slight edge with respect to durability. So, spray foam attic or wall insulation can almost last a lifetime as it is mold resistant and doesn’t absorb moisture.

» Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation is another popular choice in many homes. This is because fiberglass insulation is cost-effective and simple to work with. Fiberglass insulation can last from 80 to 100 years unless it is damaged by mold or moisture. However, you should start checking fiberglass for weak points by 15 years.

Luckily, as the insulation in your home degrades, it will be noticeable through draughts entering your home and higher energy bills.

» Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is eco-friendly since it is made from recycled materials. The material is also more effective at blocking air movement compared to fiberglass insulation. However, cellulose insulation has a lifespan of just 20 to 30 years. It will start to degrade naturally around 15 years after its installation.

How Often Should Attic Insulation Need to be Replaced?

You should know that insulation can last for 80 years to 100 years under optimal conditions. However, it can start degrading in just 15 years if moisture or pests, like rodents, are present in your home. If your home insulation is damaged and does not provide the insulating value once intended, it is best to replace it. You should look for professional home insulation replacement services for the best results.

Several factors determine whether you should replace the insulation and how regularly you should replace it. Standard insulation in most homes starts to degrade or peel from walls after around 15 years. However, if you’ve an older home, it is likely that the attic insulation is the same insulation that was installed at the time the house was built. In some cases, insulation should also be replaced sooner than 15 years if it’s no longer doing its job well.

Signs That Your Insulation Needs to Be Replaced

Do you think that your monthly energy bills are increasing? Perhaps your home feels warmer than usual. What about the AC system in your house? Is the AC regulating air across your home effectively? If it is not, your old insulation may have to be replaced. Here are some signs that it is time to get your insulation replaced:

» High Energy Costs

When you notice that your electric bills have increased, your first instinct might be to turn off the lights. However, the culprit of high energy bills could be poor insulation. When your crawl space or attic lacks the proper insulation, the hot or cold air will sneak into your home. With insufficient or damaged home insulation, your home’s energy bills will be higher than they should be. This is because your HVAC system will work overtime in order to keep up with the changes in temperatures because of poor home insulation.

» Indoor Drafts

When there is not enough blockage or barrier between the outside air and the inside home atmosphere, cold drafts can circulate your house. So, if you close all windows and doors in your home and still feel a cool draft, check your insulation, it could be time to replace it.

» Heating or Cooling Issues

If you’ve to blast the heater or the air conditioner at all times to keep your home at comfortable temperatures, it may indicate that the insulation in your home is failing to trap the hot or cold air and should be replaced.

Similarly, if you have noticed how the temperature feels comfortable and pleasant when you are in the living room, but in another room, it feels like it is a couple of degrees hotter or colder, it’s a common sign that your insulation isn’t regulating the temperature in each room evenly.

» Animal or Pest Damage

Have you heard a commotion in your home, especially during the night? If so, animals may have invaded your attic. Animals and pests, such as bats, raccoons, mice, and squirrels, can easily destroy or damage your insulation.

» Increased Allergies

If your house is under-insulated, certain seasonal allergies or flu may flare up. When your residential property is adequately insulated, it traps the air coming from the outside. Keep in mind that this means it can also trap various allergens.

» Wet Insulation or Mold

If your home insulation is continually damp or you’ve noticed the presence of mold on your insulation, it is time to have the insulation removed and get your attic inspected and repaired.

Also Read: Top 10 Signs Your Home in Under-Insulated

The Bottom Line

Old or worn insulation in your home can be the cause of major issues for you and your family members, and hence, understanding how to recognize old or damaged insulation is critical. Even if replacing or removing your old insulation might seem easy, it is best executed by a trained and experienced professional.

You should discuss your needs with a reputable and dependable insulation replacement expert for an efficient job. If you are looking for an attic insulation contractor near me, you should rely on an established insulation contractor like Conejo Valley Home Services. They use the latest technology and tools to analyze and identify insulation issues in your home.

You can contact Conejo Valley Home Services at (805) 499-0448 to solve any insulation problems you may have. As a leading Thousand Oaks insulation contractor, they can handle any material from spray foam insulation to blown insulation. Their experts can make recommendations to help better insulate your home.