3 telltale signs that you need to replace your home’s insulation

When it comes to maintaining your home, one of your highest priorities should be checking the condition of your house’s insulation. Insulation is one of the few materials that keeps your home safe from harsh weather and extensive home damage. Knowing whether it’s time to replace your insulation can be a tricky, but here are a few telltale signs whether your insulation has reached its expiration date.

Yo-yoing indoor temperatures

The first telltale sign that you need to replace your insulation or have it inspected is if temperatures inside your home are never consistent. In a well-insulated home, the temperatures should remain relatively constant and predictable. House’s temperatures that yo-yo typically have a problem with their insulation. This should be a sign that your insulation has shifted allowing drafts to flow throughout your home. Depending on the condition of your insulation, a professional might recommend adding extra insulation to prevent drafts or to replace all of the insulation.

Rodents have made nests

Rodents such as squirrels, rats, mice, snacks, opossums and bats are notorious for making nests or building homes in dark, insulated areas. These areas are protected from the elements and usually far away from human foot traffic. Animals living in your insulation will impact the efficiency and integrity of the insulation. Again, it’s necessary to get an insulation professional to inspect the damage to determine whether the insulation need to be replaced.

Water damage

When insulation becomes wet, it is virtually worthless. There are various ways that insulation could become wet or damp, including flooding, absence of vapor barriers, leaky roofs or even blocked vents. Once insulation absorbs water, the air pockets in the insulation, which keep maintain the house’s temperature, expand and allow this air to seep out. Again, insulation that is wet becomes useless and needs to be replaced.

Furthermore, wet insulation is a breeding ground for harmful mold. This mold can be released into the air and can be the cause of numerous health hazards.

Checking on your home’s insulation is a necessity. The sooner you catch deteriorating insulation, the quick the problem can be solved. If you suspect that you have insulation problems call the RetroGreen team for a consultation.