Can you add new insulation over old insulation? Yes, you can! However, there are certain circumstances when you need to completely remove the old insulation before installing a new one.
We recommend hiring a professional to know whether you old insulation needs to be removed or not. If you want to hire a trusted insulation contractor in Los Angeles, then you should visit www.atticguru.com.
So, let us understand when you should add new insulation over the old one and when you should avoid.
Things to consider while installing new insulation over the old one:
- Do not install a new insulation over the old one if it is wet. This might damage your new insulation and also cause germ build-up in your home.
- Consider the type of insulation that you are planning to install over the old one.
- There are 3 types of insulation; Batts insulation, Rolled insulation, and Blown / loose-fill insulation
Each type of insulation has some pros and cons. For example, if you choose rolled or batt insulation, then make sure it does not have a foil, paper, or vinyl vapor barrier. It might trap moisture while placing the new one over the existing insulation and cause severe damage to your home.
- Do not flatten any rolled insulation as it will decrease its effectiveness.
- You should also consider the method of installation while placing a new insulation over the old one.
When you need to remove the old insulation completely before installing the new one?
You should replace your attic insulation if it is completely damaged due to fire, water, rodents, molds, pests, or other such things. If you have bought an old home recently, then you need to inspect if the attic insulation is in good condition.
If you notice any sort of damage in the attic insulation then you need to replace the same to make sure the home remains protected. Now, let us understand when you need to replace the insulation of your attics.
- If your walls and attics are damaged due to water leakage then you need to replace them with a new one. If your home is insulated with cellulose and wool insulation, then you need to inspect your attic insulation and get it replaced as soon as possible.
- Sometimes, your attic insulation gets contaminated by animals like bats, raccoons, or squirrels. In such cases, you have to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any possible bacterial infection. These animals often leave urine and waste products on your attics and infect them by the germs developed in the process. So, you need to fix this problem as soon as possible as it may cause various health issues in the future.
- In case of any fire damage in your attics, you need to remove the old insulation immediately and replace the same with a new one. This way, you can help protect your family members from any possible health issues in the future.
- If your attic insulation gets damaged over time then also it needs to be replaced with a new one. The insulation loses its functionality over time. So, you should replace the insulation of your attics if you have not replaced it for so many days.
Conclusion:
If you remove your insulation by yourself without taking the help of a professional then a lot of dust and debris may get accumulated in your home, which will further lead to respiratory diseases in your family members.
If you want to protect your family members from possible health hazards then you need to hire a professional. If you are searching for a trusted attic insulation contractor then you can choose us to avail of our services.
