When it comes to maintaining your home, one of your highest priorities should be checking the condition of your house\u2019s insulation. Insulation is one of the few materials that keeps your home safe from harsh weather and extensive home damage. Knowing whether it\u2019s time to replace your insulation can be a tricky, but here are a few telltale signs whether your insulation has reached its expiration date.<\/p>\n
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Yo-yoing indoor temperatures <\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rodents have made nests <\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s necessary to get an insulation professional to inspect the damage to determine whether the insulation need to be replaced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Water damage <\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s temperature, expand and allow this air to seep out. Again, insulation that is wet becomes useless and needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n