If you’ve lived in your home for a while, or if you recently acquired an older home, you might be wondering how long the insulation in your walls, attic, and crawl space will last. If your insulation isn’t as effective as it used to be, you could end up spending more money on heating and cooling costs because your insulation doesn’t keep the summer heat or the winter chill out of your home.
So, besides just a “hunch,” how do you when it’s time to replace your insulation? Keep reading to find out!
How Long Does Insulation Last?
It starts with how old your insulation is. Unfortunately, insulation doesn’t last (and perform effectively) forever. 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! Below are two situations, however, where you should consider re-insulating and call an insulation company:
- Your home was built in the 1970s or earlier
- You’ve been living in your home for years without checking insulation levels (especially if you’re not sure when the home was built)
Do You Need New Insulation?
Insulation is manufactured to last a very long time and can perform effectively for years. However, there are a number of different occurrences and instances that may expedite or necessitate a replacement:
- Settling. When your insulation is first installed, it’s laid to fill all of the space it needs to effectively, but due to the nature of the product, it begins to settle a bit over the first year. This may end up leaving areas exposed, causing a need for replacement or addition.
- Outdated material. If you’re living in—or have recently purchased—an older home, it’s a good idea to have the insulation checked, if not outright replaced. Old insulation is often worn to the point of near uselessness, and particularly so for the older materials of the past (such as cotton or wool, which are rarely used anymore).
- Mold or mildew damage. Fungal growth is uncommon but possible in insulation, particularly if the humidity is too high in the places your insulation resides. These situations can rapidly decay and destroy your insulation, and a replacement should be done immediately.
Generally, if you’ve noticed the presence of pests, mold, rodents or moisture, or you’ve seen a spike in your heating and cooling costs, it’s a good idea to consider replacement. An insulation contractor will come out and assess your situation and recommend the right solutions.
Need Help with Retrofit Insulation? Call Mooney & Moses
Mooney & Moses Insulation has been helping Cincinnati area homeowners with all their insulation needs since 1949. If you need to replace your insulation or simply add more, we’re here to help! Call us today for more information.
