The insulation in your attic helps keep your home energy efficient and comfortable all year long, but if insulation materials face damage, you need to take swift action to continue to reap the benefits. Discover different scenarios for adding new attic insulation over the existing materials and when you’ll need to replace the entire setup. The experts at Logik Roofing & Insulation explain everything you need to know in this guide.
Check for Wet Insulation
If your home fails to retain heat during the winter and your energy bills skyrocket, it’s worth checking your insulation for damage. Finding wet insulation in your attic can lead to many problems, including:
- Mould and mildew growth
- Musty odors
- Wood rot and loss of structural integrity
Experts will need to replace the damaged insulation to prevent all of these problems. Once they get rid of all wet insulation, you might need to address problems like mould sprouts and deteriorating wood. Wet insulation could be due to a roof leak so it’s wise to have a professional inspect the area and patch any leaks.
Taking care of these issues before adding new attic insulation will give you peace of mind and lead to long-lasting results with your new insulation.
Figure Out the Types of Insulation You Use
Say you move into a home with worn-out insulation and want to add more. Experts will tell you that adding new attic insulation onto existing materials largely depends on the type of insulation you have. You can generally place the following products in your attic without removing the existing layer:
- Blown loose-fill insulation
- Batt insulation
- Rolled insulation
Keep in mind that if you’re adding rolled insulation to your attic, you must install it with the face pointing toward the drywall to avoid trapping moisture. Be sure to roll the insulation perpendicular to the joists and not tack it down. The criteria for adding new batt and rolled insulation tends to make blown loose-fill insulation the ideal material for this project.
Check for Chemical Compounds
If you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, have an expert check its condition before deciding to remove it or add a new layer on top of the existing materials. This type of insulation may contain harmful chemicals and substances, including asbestos. After testing the material, professionals can either deem it safe to add new insulation over the existing layer or remove all of the damaged materials before proceeding with installation.
Let Professionals Inspect Your Attic Before Installing Insulation
If you need new attic insulation, make sure you consult with an attic insulation experts in Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, and North York who can determine if you should remove the existing material or add new insulation on top of it. Professionals can also air-seal the attic so you get the most benefits out of your attic insulation and can prevent issues like pest or water damage.
Let Logik Roofing & Insulation take care of your insulation needs. Contact us today at 1-866-840-2914 to receive a quote and schedule service. Learn more now.
