Installing new insulation is a great way to help reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Many people have insulation in their attic, basement or walls, but extra insulation can help better insulate their homes.
Is it possible to add new insulation over old materials? We’ll discuss the option of keeping your current insulation while adding additional materials and situations where adding new insulation without removing the old is a bad idea.
When Can You Keep Old Insulation?
Installing new insulation over old is a viable option for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, the current insulation must be in good condition.
It’s vital that a professional insulation technician inspect your current insulation before adding another layer. They can tell for sure if it’s in good shape and if a new layer would be beneficial.
Signs You Should Remove Old Insulation
If you have old insulation and want to add fresh material on top of it, it’s important that the underlying insulation not be wet, damp or previously made wet.
Signs you should remove old insulation include:
- Water damage
- Signs of rodents, pests or mold
- Fire damage
Water from rain or a busted pipe can soak into the insulation and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew and insects. If your home insulation has become wet or moldy, it should be removed and replaced as soon as possible.
It’s also important to find the root cause of the dampness and resolve the issue. If a pipe bursts or leaks, make sure to have a plumber fix it. If rain came into the home and dampened the insulation, a roofer may be needed.
Call Accurate Insulation for a home insulation inspection. Our experienced contractors will inspect your existing insulation and give you a quote for new home retrofit insulation.
Insulation Removal & Replacement Process for Homes
Adding new insulation depends on various factors. If your old insulation is damp or water-damaged, it must be removed and replaced. If the current insulation has always been dry, you can add fresh insulation on top of it.
Here’s what you need to know about installing new insulation:
- Insulation should be rolled out perpendicular to roof joists.
- Rolled insulation should never be tacked down, or else it can lose much of its R-value, which is its ability to insulate.
- If you have vermiculite insulation, it should be tested before being removed. If tests show that it contains harmful chemicals, a certified professional must carefully remove it.
- Performing air sealing is a good idea before installing new insulation, as it can significantly raise the energy efficiency of the insulation.
Adding new insulation is a big task that should only be handled by trained professionals.
Contact Your Local Maryland & DC Insulation Contractors for Insulation Services
The team at Accurate Insulation can install fresh insulation in your DC-area home. We install fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and radiant barrier insulation. Whether you need extra insulation on top of your current materials or need to replace old insulation, we can help.
When you need new insulation for your DC-area home, contact Accurate Insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing New Insulation Over Old Insulation
Common questions we receive about installing new insulation over old insulation include:
How do I know when I need more insulation in my attic?
You may need attic insulation if you feel a draft coming from the attic or your heating bill is higher than it used to be.
What’s the best material to use when adding more insulation to an attic?
The best insulating materials will depend on a few factors. Typically, it’s best to use the same materials you already have, but our team can discuss your options and make a proper recommendation. Accurate Insulation installs fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam insulation.
Can you put faced insulation over existing insulation?
It’s not recommended to place faced insulation on top of existing insulation in an attic. New insulation needs to be installed with a vapor guard.
