Do you have to remove old insulation before installing new?

Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.

Can you lay new insulation over old?

You can absolutely new insulation over old insulation… as long as it isn't wet. Energy Star advises as follows: “If it… appears that the insulation [is wet or] has previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem to prevent a reoccurrence. Remove any wet insulation.

Is it worth it to remove old attic insulation?

Unless it's water damaged or rodent-infested, you do not need to remove your attic insulation. Remember, if you are concerned about dust and air quality, you need to have your attic air sealed to separate the attic from the house before you add more insulation, otherwise you'll just make the dust problem worse.

Is it worth replacing old insulation?

Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.

Can you put too much insulation in attic?

It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

Do I Need to Remove Old Insulation Before Installing New? | Foam University

Can I use a shop vac to remove insulation?

So, if you want to remove blown-in insulation, you need to buy a high-powered shop vacuum with a very large capacity. Alternatively, you can also rent specialized HEPA-filter insulation removal equipment from a facility which rents out specialized tools and equipment.

Can you double up insulation?

Doubling the thickness of insulation will double the insulation's R-value, cutting heat loss in half. Each time the insulation layer is doubled in thickness, this rule applies.

Will adding more insulation attic make difference?

According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill. In the Washington area, there are many styles of homes and roofs, but typically most have some degree of attic space, either walk-in or crawl space.

Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

If you are deciding between insulating the roof deck or the ceiling, Insulating your ceiling should be the priority. Not only is it easier but ceiling insulation is beneficial in a number of ways: Keeps the temperature in the building regulated. Saves on energy costs.

How many inches of insulation should I have in my attic?

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Is batt insulation better than blown-in?

Practical and durable: When comparing batt insulation vs. blown cellulose, keep in mind that batt insulation is a more effective thermal barrier. The thermal performance of loose fill insulation will not last for the life of the building. Most blown-in insulation materials will settle and lose R-value over time.

How do you remove old insulation without removing drywall?

Injection foam insulation is the answer to insulating walls without removing drywall. There are several types of injection foam available out there, including the RetroFoam product we use. These materials don't require the drywall in your home to be taken down.

Can you remove insulation yourself?

Remove Old Insulation. Once there is no asbestos, mold, or rodents, it is generally safe to proceed with attic insulation removal yourself. Some insulation is easier to remove than others. Luckily homeowners are more likely to find the easier kind which is blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation.

Is it difficult to replace insulation?

Over time some forms of insulation, such as blown-in cellulose, tend to settle. Others may simply degrade due to any number of problems, from rodent infestations to flooding, even simply a faulty installation. Replacing the insulation isn't difficult so much as tedious.

Can you remove fiberglass insulation yourself?

You can remove fiberglass batts yourself, but you'll need some professional tools, and should always keep safety in mind. Loose-fill, reuse-fill. Removing or relocating insulation in an attic is hot, dirty work.

How do you replace insulation in walls?

If you find some insulation, cut out a 12- to 16-inch horizontal band of drywall or plaster midway up the wall. Then just pull out the old insulation. If you choose loose fill or expanding foam, it can go in through the same hole—though you'll need to make more holes along the top of the wall to complete the job."

Should you insulate the underside of your roof?

In order to avoid damage to the roof deck, you should insulate ceilings to create an air barrier between the living space and an unfinished attic or airspace underneath the roof deck.

Is spray foam insulation in attic worth it?

A properly done spray foam job not only insulates but also greatly reduces the air leakage of a home. But that only works if the installer can get it into the places where most of the air leakage happens. In an attic, the eaves are one of the most critical places to get good coverage with the foam.

Is it worth insulating internal ceilings?

By insulating your ceiling, you avoid heat losses and an unnecessarily high energy bill. Warm air rises, but by means of ceiling insulation you can keep the warmth inside and reduce sounds. It is an efficient and quite cheap way to improve the energy performance of your house.