Insulation plays a crucial role in your home’s overall comfort and efficiency. It should be used in attics, walls, basements and other nooks and crannies to promote whole-home efficiency and safety. If your existing insulation is no longer meeting your needs, you may be wondering: Can new insulation be installed over old insulation?
While the general answer is yes, there are a few aspects to consider regarding your specific situation, including the material used and its condition. Below, we look into what steps to take to determine if you can add new insulation to your old insulation and the benefits of doing so.
Taking a Look at Your Current Insulation
Before adding new insulation over your existing insulation, you must inspect the condition of the old insulation. If your current insulation is still in good condition, new insulation isn’t necessary. Keep an eye out for problems like moisture issues, pest infiltration, compromised quality and air leaks to determine if your insulation needs an upgrade.
What to Consider When Adding New Insulation
First, it’s important that you know what kind of insulation was previously used, as some types are incompatible. For example, blown-in insulation can be added over batt insulation, which is the most commonly used installation method in homes, but adding an additional vapor barrier over faced insulation is not recommended. However, using a vapor barrier over properly installed unfaced insulation can help with moisture control.
You also need to check the new insulation’s R-value, which measures its ability to resist heat flow; you must make sure the new insulation will not negatively impact the R-value.
Benefits of Replacing Your Insulation
Upgrading your old, inefficient insulation comes packed with long-term benefits, including:
- Lower monthly energy bills
- Heightened comfort
- Improved soundproofing
- Better pest control
- Enhanced temperature control
- Balanced humidity levels
- Increased home value
Should You Remove Old Insulation?
As mentioned, old insulation should be removed if it’s in poor condition. If your existing insulation is wet, it should be removed to prevent mold and mildew from forming, as this can lead to structural issues like water damage and rotting, as well as health issues.
If your insulation is infested with pests, it’s best to remove it before adding new material. Furthermore, if your existing insulation is damaged, it’s more beneficial to have it removed before new insulation is installed.
Consider ThermaSeal/Lakeside Insulation for Insulation Services
ThermaSeal/Lakeside Insulation is a leading provider of expert insulation services in Chicago. With over 10 years of experience in the industry and as part of the Installed Building Products Family of Companies, our team is your go-to for long-lasting insulation solutions.
We’re committed to professionalism and delivering quality services on time and on budget. We’ll always guarantee safety measures are in place. Our highly trained insulators aim to achieve top-notch results for both residential and commercial insulation projects.
Set up an appointment with the ThermaSeal/Lakeside team today to equip your Chicago home or business with reputable insulation solutions!
