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Insulation Experts Since 1977

Insulation experts since 1977

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What Do I Do about Old Cellulose Insulation?

When buying an older home, or remodeling a home, you might consider taking a look at the insulation. Insulation can last decades when properly maintained, but like everything else, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Valley Insulation will answer some basic questions about old cellulose insulation and what to do about it.

What is cellulose insulation?

Cellulose insulation is made from shredded, recycled materials, and is a form of blow-in insulation. Blow-in insulation is a loose form of insulation that is “blown into” the wall, as opposed to insulation that comes in pre-formed batts. It is easier to install and can cover a large area.

How long can you keep old cellulose insulation?

Cellulose insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, as long as it has been properly maintained and not been damaged in any way by water, mold, animal infestation, or fire.

Insulation that has gotten wet and is not thoroughly dried can produce harmful mold, and that mold can spread. Insulation that has been damaged in other ways may no longer properly insulate your walls or attic, and you may find it harder to control temperatures.

How do I know if my old cellulose insulation is still effective?

If you don’t know the exact age of your old cellulose insulation, a good way to tell it is losing its effectiveness is an increase in utility bills. If you notice that you are having difficulty keeping your home properly cooled in the summer or properly heated in the winter there is a good chance your insulation needs to be replaced.

How do you remove old cellulose insulation?

Removing and replacing old cellulose insulation cannot be done by hand, and will need a high-powered vacuum to suck the loose insulation from the wall or attic. Professionals usually have the proper equipment for this and are trained in removing the insulation quickly and without leaving a large mess.

If you are having professionals remove the old cellulose insulation they will properly prepare the area to have the new insulation blow in, saving you time and money.

Call Valley Insulation about your old cellulose insulation

Valley Insulation has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Greater Cincinnati area in all their insulation needs, including insulation replacement. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 to get a free quote.

Insulation Removal FAQs

Like everything else, insulation wears out over time. Since undamaged insulation can last a fairly long time, many homeowners do not have any experience with replacing insulation or identifying the signs that their insulation has become damaged. Failure to replace damaged insulation can lead to further damages and unnecessary future costs.

 

Valley Insulation explains the basics of insulation removal, why you may need it, and how you can tell if your insulation needs to be replaced.

What is insulation removal?

Insulation removal is the process of removing damaged or deteriorating insulation from walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Over time, insulation begins to deteriorate naturally and is no longer effective in regulating the home’s temperature. 

 

Damage can also occur from things like water, pests, and fires. If the insulation is no longer doing its job effectively it needs to be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

How long does insulation last?

Undamaged insulation can last a very long time, which is why most people may not have had to go through the process of replacing theirs. Insulation can last 80 to 100 years before it needs to be removed and replaced, as long as it has not been damaged. Regularly checking your insulation can ensure it stays in good working order.

How often should insulation be checked?

As long as you don’t suspect any damage, a good rule of thumb is to have your insulation inspected every 20 to 25 years. An inspection can help detect early deterioration or find places where water or pests may have destroyed areas of insulation. Catching and addressing issues early can prevent further damage and help your insulation to last longer.

What are common signs I need to remove old insulation?

One of the most common signs that your old insulation is deteriorating is a lack of control of the home’s temperature. If insulation is no longer doing its job properly, it will be difficult to keep the home cool on hot days or warm on cold days. Insulation allows you to regulate the temperature of the house without straining your utility bills. If you notice an unexplained increase over time in gas or electric bills, that’s a good sign it’s time for insulation removal.


How is insulation removed?

Insulation removal is based on the type of insulation you have. For blow-in cellulose insulation, a commercial-grade shop vac is used to suck up all the loose insulation in your wall or attic. Any dust or loose pieces are swept up as well. This can take some time depending on how much insulation there is and how much area it covers.

 

For fiberglass batt insulation, the insulation is simply removed and rolled up and placed in garbage bags to be carried out of the house. A shop vac will be needed to sweep up dust or small pieces left behind. It is important to be sure that all insulation is removed, especially if there are areas that are wet or may have animal urine or feces.

What are the dangers of damaged insulation?

Water Damage

If an area of insulation has been exposed to water due to a roof leak, burst pipe, or another issue, the insulation will likely retain the moisture for a while. Where there is long-term moisture there is a high probability of mold. Mold in wall or attic insulation can spread and cause health issues for the home’s residents.

 

Pest Damage

Anytime a pest gets into wall or attic insulation, particularly rodents, they can cause major damage. Not only do they tear up insulation, they can leave behind urine and feces that are not only unhealthy for residents but will soak in and keep the insulation wet. Long-term moisture can produce mold that can cause health problems over time.

 

Fire Damage

At Valley Insulation, we use Nu-Wool cellulose insulation, which is treated for fire resistance. This insulation can be important for minimizing the spread of fire in your home. If you have had any type of fire where the insulation was damaged, it will need to be removed.

How long does insulation removal take?

Insulation removal, depending on the type of insulation, can take several hours. Clearing an average size attic of blown-in cellulose insulation generally takes professionals anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, including prep, removal, and clean-up of dirt and debris.

 

Removing fiberglass batt insulation usually takes about the same amount of time, depending on the number of workers. Hiring professionals who have experience in insulation removal and come prepared with the right tools can make the process go faster.

Call Valley Insulation for Insulation Removal

Valley Insulation has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Greater Cincinnati area in all their insulation needs, including insulation replacement. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 to get a free quote.

Strategies for Preventing Heat Loss in Your Home This Winter From Valley Insulation

Young couple in a cold home bundling for warmth

Valley Insulation is one of Cincinnati’s top insulation companies. We install attic, wall, and crawl space insulation for new and existing structures at any time of year. In today’s blog from Valley Insulation, we explain how to prevent heat loss in your home during the winter months.

Related Post: Five Ways to Insulate Your Windows in the Winter by Valley Insulation

Insulate Your windows

You should insulate your windows because they are some of the most vulnerable spots for heat loss due to drafts and heat transfer through the materials of the window. You can use weatherstripping, drapes, window film, bubble wrap, or rope caulk.

Draft-Proof Your Doors

Doors represent another way cold air seeps into your home. You can purchase special flaps or insulated brushes to put along the bottom of your doors to keep cold air out. For the sides and top, draft-proof strips help prevent air exchange between the inside and outside.

Related Post: Valley Insulation Explains Why You Need Proper Air Sealing to Lower Your Utility Bills

Great Curtains

Thermal curtains are great for preventing heat loss. Made of special materials, thermal curtains have linings that reduce cold air coming into your home. You can open the curtains during the day to let in sunlight for better radiant heat using the greenhouse effect.

Home Insulation

Home insulation for your attic, walls, and crawlspace offers a holistic way to prevent heat loss during the winter. Cellulose insulation works for decades, fully fills your wall cavities, and provides a high-quality product. The team at Valley Insulation can complete a home insulation project within a day, depending on the size of your home. You can lower your utility bills and maintain your home’s comfort.

Related Post: The Cincinnati Insulation Experts Showcase a Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Home Insulation by Valley Insulation

Talk to the experts at Valley Insulation, serving the Greater Cincinnati area since 1977. We’ll come to your home, give you a free estimate, and provide you with great customer service from start to finish. Contact us online or call 513.353.4100 for more information.

Five Ways to Insulate Your Windows in the Winter by Valley Insulation

Man’s hands installing weather stripping along a window

Valley Insulation installs quality Nu-Wool cellulose insulation in homes and commercial buildings in Greater Cincinnati. Winter is upon us, which means home insulation can help keep your home warmer. In today’s blog from Valley Insulation, we showcase five ways to insulate your windows in the winter.

Related Post: The Cincinnati Insulation Experts Showcase a Winter Home Maintenance Checklist 

1. Window Insulation Film

Hardware stores generally have window insulator kits that use plastic shrink wrap to create an insulating layer. Double-sided tape keeps the film in place. Just use a hair dryer to shrink the wrap and remove any wrinkles. You might have to clean some of the tape residue off in the spring, but that should be minimal. 

2. Magnetic Window Insulation

Magnetic kits hold a layer of insulating vinyl in place over the window. The magnets make it easy to remove the vinyl, open the window for a while, then snap the vinyl back into place afterward. You can use magnetic paint along your window frames to attach this type of insulation. 

Related Post: Home Insulation Tips to Keep You Warm This Winter

3. Rope Caulk

You may have cracks or crevices around your window frames, particularly in older homes with aged wood. Rope caulk works like silly putty. You can use as much or as little as you need to fill in cracks, crevices, and holes around the edges of your windows. Consider using rope caulk on the outside of your home, too.

4. Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains have a special lining in them that holds warm air in during the winter. Curtains work well because you can open them on warm days. Look for thermal curtains at your home decor store. These items also help block light and noise.

5. Wall Insulation From Valley Insulation

Exterior wall insulation helps make your windows more effective, particularly in the joists immediately surrounding the windows. The team at Valley Insulation can install high-quality Nu-Wool cellulose insulation in your exterior walls to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. We can also give you tips for weatherproofing your windows.

Related Post: Tips for Home Insulation in the Winter

Home Insulation by Valley Insulation

Talk to us about installing home insulation at your residence. We serve the Cincinnati area with exterior wall insulation that makes your home more comfortable. Contact us online or call 513.353.4100 for more details.

Valley Insulation Explains Why You Need Proper Air Sealing to Lower Your Utility Bills

Before you add new home insulation or commercial insulation to your property, you must seal any air that may transfer between the inside and outside of your building. Air that travels freely between the structure and the outside reduces the effectiveness of your insulation and can even negate new insulation. In today’s blog from Valley Insulation, we explain why you need proper air sealing to lower your utility bills.

 

Related Post: How Cellulose Insulation Saves on Your Energy Bill in the Winter

 

1. Helps Prevent Settling

 

Cellulose insulation like Nu-Wool may settle over time (usually several years). In walls, this settling can reduce the effectiveness of insulation if it’s installed incorrectly. Without proper sealing, air movement occurs inside the cavities within walls, causing insulation to settle faster. Air sealing helps prevent settling, which helps maintain the optimal level of cellulose insulation installed by Valley Insulation. Your building needs the correct level of insulation to lower your utility bills as much as possible.

 

2. Keeps Bugs Out

 

Small gaps that let air into your home may also bring bugs, such as ants, termites, moths, or even bees. Once pests get into your walls, attic, or crawlspace, they can hamper the properties of insulation. Insects can chew on, tear, and carry away insulation fibers as they construct a nest in your building. Air sealing keeps bugs out of the structure and out of the insulation. No bugs in the insulation means it works properly. Valley Insulation not only installs new commercial or home insulation, but we also remove old and damaged insulation that served as a home for bugs. Nu-Wool premium cellulose insulation installed by our techs is bug-resistant.

 

3. Stops Heat Transfer

 

The primary purpose of air sealing is to prevent heat transfer between your building and the outside. Air sealing keeps hot air out of your home in the summer and cold air away in the winter. Heat transfer is also the main purpose of home insulation. Air sealing, combined with premium cellulose insulation and an efficient HVAC system, gives you the best possible results for your utility bills.

 

Related Post: Valley Insulation: Facts Homeowners Should Know

Valley Insulation and Quality Cellulose Insulation

Valley Insulation can give you tips and advice on how to seal the air around your home. You might need to caulk around the windows, siding, foundation, electrical outlets, pipes, and more. Flashing around your chimney and flue also helps. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 for more information on what we can do for you, such as installing quality cellulose insulation for your home or commercial property.

Valley Insulation St. Rt. 128 • Phone: 513.353.4100