As time passes, older homes may suffer from common issues that can reduce the efficiency of your insulation. This is important to monitor because poor insulation quality can have a negative impact on the health of your family. It can also cause heating and cooling bills to skyrocket.
There are several problems to watch for that can cause long-term damage to your home insulation, including water leaks, fires, pests, and outdated insulation.
Water Leaks
Water damage can be devastating to the integrity of your home. After a major water leak from a broken pipe, it is commonplace to check the floors, carpet, and walls for damage. But you also have to remember to check your insulation.
Insulation that gets wet and is not properly dried out can quickly develop mold and mildew in your walls. This can be dangerous since mold and mildew can cause health issues like breathing problems, sinus problems, and frequent coughing.
Insulation that gets wet will also break down and become less effective at keeping your home warm or cool. Your energy bills will likely increase as your home’s temperature becomes harder to maintain.
Related Post: What You Should Do if Your Cellulose Insulation Gets Wet
Fires
If you have had fire damage to your home, your insulation must be checked. When a fire breaks out, the heat can cause the insulation to melt and become ineffective. Damaged insulation will not work correctly, and you will notice it becomes harder to cool or heat your home.
If you have had even a small fire in your home, have a professional check the insulation there and in the surrounding areas to make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced.
Pests and Rodents
Pests can also cause damage to your insulation, including rodents, birds, and insects. Rodents and other pests can use insulation as a nesting material, which will reduce its effectiveness. They will also urinate or leave droppings inside the insulation, which can cause mold, foul odors, and unhealthy breathing conditions for your family.
If you notice any signs of a pest infestation, such as droppings, nests, or gnaw marks, you should have your insulation inspected. Taking care of a pest problem early will keep them from spreading and damaging more areas.
Improper Installation or Outdated Home Insulation Materials
Insulation that has been improperly installed may not allow you to easily maintain the temperature of your home. You may find yourself fighting to keep your home properly warmed in the winter and cooled in the summertime.
Additionally, if your insulation is outdated, it may not be providing the same level of protection as newer materials. Newer insulation is treated for pests, fire resistance, and mold resistance and can be more energy efficient. Newer insulation, like cellulose insulation, is often more environmentally friendly, as they are made with recycled materials.
It is essential to inspect the insulation in an older home, especially if you are unsure if it has ever been replaced since the home was built. You may need insulation removal and replacement to help your energy bills stay down.
Related Post: How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home Insulation
Insulation Maintenance in Cincinnati
Quality workmanship and the best materials result in lifelong benefits for our customers. With more than 40 years of professional success at Valley Insulation, our experience makes all the difference.
If you have problems with your current insulation, contact Valley Insulation today to schedule an on-site assessment of your home.
