The official start of summer is almost here—it’s starting to get hotter and the kids will be out of school in a few weeks. Summer camp and pool time are probably on your mind, but you should also be thinking of ways to keep your energy bills low while staying cool and comfortable.
As one of the biggest sources of energy loss in homes, the attic is a great place to start. What shape is your current insulation in? Should you remove and replace it? Should you add to it?
Keep reading to learn more!
Can I Add Insulation Over Existing Insulation?
Sometimes insulation removal isn’t necessary—new batt or rolled insulation, or blown loose-fill cellulose or fiberglass, can often be installed over old insulation. But it’s important to keep the following in mind:
- “Faced” insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic shouldn’t have a vapor retarder (face), which can trap moisture. Existing batt or roll insulation should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
- Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to the joists—and unfaced rolls should be used.
- Rolled insulation should not be tacked down (if the insulation is flattened, the R-value can decrease).
Learn more by visiting ENERGY STAR online »
How Long Does Insulation Last?
It starts with how old your insulation is. Unfortunately, insulation doesn’t last (and perform effectively) for years and years. If you just moved into a newly built house two years ago, you are most likely good to go. Modern homes are well insulated and more energy-efficient than homes built even a decade ago! You should consider re-insulating and call an insulation company if your home was built in the 1970s or earlier or if you’ve been living in your home for years without ever checking things like insulation levels (especially if you’re not sure when the home was built).
When to Remove Your Insulation
You should remove insulation in your walls, attic, basement or crawl space if it is:
- Old
- Wet or damp
- Rodent infested
- Moldy
- Sagging or loose
- Damaged by fire or anything else
Insulation Services in the Indianapolis Area
If you need professional insulation removal and installation services in central Indiana, the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie can help. We have experience working with all types of homes and can install fiberglass and spray foam.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation!
