Should I remove basement ceiling insulation?

The insulation has become infested: If the insulation in your basement has become infested with rodents, bugs, or other critters, it is important to remove it. Not only are these animals unsanitary, but insulation can become a breeding ground for them to multiply and spread throughout your house.

Is it beneficial to insulate basement ceiling?

Yes—in most cases insulating your basement is a good idea because it will pay dividends down the road. Not only does wall insulation help keep your home warmer but it may also help soundproof the space.

Can I leave insulation exposed in basement?

Insulation should never be left exposed in a basement. Whether your home has spray foam, foam board, or fiberglass roll (or batten) insulation, each type should always be covered because each poses hazards such as: Fire risk. Irritated skin issues (due to chemical irritants in the materials)

Should I remove ceiling insulation?

The Current Insulation: If you find crumbly insulation while in the attic, it is expired and is not doing your home any good. Do not try to remove the attic insulation yourself, it always best to have a professional insulation contractor remove the attic insulation.

Is it better to remove old insulation?

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.

Why Insulate the Basement Ceiling

Is it okay to leave insulation exposed?

"Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association," says ALA's Godfrey. "Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.

Is exposed insulation unhealthy?

Dangers of Exposed Insulation

Even if you're not touching the insulation, it can send particles into the air that can irritate the skin. Lung irritation: Even more concerning, fiberglass, if breathed, will irritate the lungs, creating serious respiratory risks.

Should I put plastic over my insulation?

Standard Installation Practices

Install the plastic sheeting only after the insulation, wiring and plumbing have been completed. Stretch the plastic sheet tightly across the top of the wall and staple it to the studs and plates with a hammer-tacker, a tool designed to install staples quickly and efficiently.

When should I insulate my basement ceiling?

If your basement is a storage space, dust, mold, mildew, and other allergens may form down there and spread into the living spaces above. The ruined indoor air quality can be avoided with adequate insulation. An insulated basement ceiling will keep the tainted based air trapped inside the basement.

Is basement insulation necessary?

There are a few reasons that basement wall insulation is important and necessary. These range from energy conservation, to code requirements in certain areas. Regardless, having a properly insulated basement should be a priority for homeowners.

What is the best way to insulate a basement ceiling?

Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls. Start with getting any moisture issues under control, then use water-resistant insulation like closed-cell spray foam or XPS foam board. Most homeowners opt for fiberglass, but fiberglass has the chance of trapping moisture.

Is vapor barrier necessary in basement?

As we covered, unfinished basements can benefit from a protective "barrier" layer. However, if your space is fully finished and has a bathroom/kitchen, a vapor barrier isn't 100% necessary. Again, this comes down to your home, the climate, and your basement design.

Is a vapor barrier necessary in ceiling?

To hell with the experts, this is my answer. Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8,000 heating degree days. Vapor retarders (kraft faced insulation or latex ceiling paint) should be used in all other climates except hot humid or hot dry climates.

Is insulation cancerous?

There is no evidence that fiberglass causes cancer in people. Animal studies have shown an increased risk of cancer when fiberglass fibers were implanted in the lung tissue of rats, but these studies are controversial because of how the fibers were implanted.

Can old insulation make you sick?

Attic insulation is an essential part of our homes, but dirty, old, poorly installed insulation can make us sick. While insulation may not be something you usually spend your time worrying about on a day-to-day basis, it's a worthwhile question to ask.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my basement ceiling?

Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or "face" of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it's ingested.

Is it OK to use fiberglass insulation in basement?

If you must use fiberglass, there needs to be a space between the insulation and the wall. If not, the place where the insulation touches the concrete will be overtaken by mold and mildew. Remember, fiberglass does NOT resist moisture, so it's generally a no-no when insulating basements.

Do I have to drywall over insulation?

Drywall is considered a suitable construction material for interior walls, but its primary purpose is not to insulate. To make a significant difference in heat flow transfer, you must include insulation along with the drywall installation.

Can you vacuum insulation?

Vacuum Insulation

Now, you can actually begin to vacuum out the insulation. You'll want to work quickly and work your way backward from the back of the attic. If you're using your own vacuum, keep an eye on it to make sure you are emptying it often enough.

Should insulation be replaced?

Unless damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years in most houses before it needs to be replaced. However, insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts well over a decade ago, it might be time for an inspection or a home energy audit.

Is replacing insulation worth it?

While insulation has a long lifespan, it does not last forever. If you own an older home, you may find that replacing the insulation saves you a significant chunk of money on your heating and cooling bills.

Can you insulate over old insulation?

Yes! 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.

Should exposed fiberglass insulation be covered?

In this case, even if you don't plan on completely finishing the basement, you should cover the exposed fiberglass insulation for safety reasons, including disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung, eye, and skin irritants and children playing around exposed fiberglass insulation ...