Is Old Attic Insulation Dangerous?
Old attic insulation is likely to fail eventually. You may notice your electric bills spiking, air conditioning struggling to keep up, uneven temperatures throughout the house. . . But old insulation can also be dangerous as it degrades, causing a host of health problems from allergies to XYZ.
Knowing when to remove and replace old attic insulation will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches in the future. Here are a few of the warning signs.
1. Your attic insulation is visibly degrading.
Take a look at the insulation in your attic (we recommend wearing a face mask while you do so). Do you see evidence of water damage? Stains or discoloration? Are the edges of your insulation falling away from the wall? Water damage, in particular, is worrisome. There is no way to fix dampness, mold, and mildew without replacing it entirely. Better to know about it now!
Note: If you're uncomfortable inspecting your own attic, contact Ward Insulation! Not only will we inspect your attic, but we will provide you with a custom quote for any replacements that need to be done.
2. There is evidence of damage by animals.
Have you heard mice scurrying above you at night? When you look at the insulation, do you see insulation that has been chewed or manipulated into nests? Raccoons, squirrels, mice, rats, and bats are big fans of attic insulation, but their bacteria-filled excrement is not something you want in your vents. . .
3. You live in an older home.
Many older homes, built between 1930 and 1990, harbor dangerous materials like asbestos, urea-formaldehyde, and Zonolite. Both of these have been linked to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. If you suspect that your house is old enough to have been insulated by either of these materials, it is imperative that you contact a professional abatement service to have it removed immediately!
Think your attic insulation might be in trouble?
Call in the experts.
