Brrrrr! 🥶

Feeling chilled? It may be a sign that it is time to replace your home’s insulation!

Most of us don’t think about the insulation of our homes on a daily basis. The truth is that it can affect many different areas of your home life without you even noticing. But if you’ve never thought about replacing your instullation, you are not alone.

An installation replacement brings up lots of questions for the average homeowner, including

When should I replace my insulation?
What types of insulation material are available?
How much will it cost?
How long does insulation last?

If those questions sound familiar, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about replacing insulation in your home.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Insulation

Wondering whether you have to replace your insulation or if it can last a little longer? Here are some telltale signs that your insulation may be on its way out.

Age 👴🏼 – Insulation is typically pretty hearty. For most homes, it can last for 20-80 years! That being said, like all things, insulation tends to wear down over time. If you are living in an older home and encountering some of the following problems, it may be time for a replacement.
High Energy Bills 📈 – Are your energy bills unusually high? It could be that your insulation material is too old to properly protect your home from the outside air.
Moldy Scent 👃 – Got a musty odor in your home or noticing your allergy symptoms acting up? Old insulation allows moisture to get into your walls, resulting in mildew and mold growth.
Drafty House 🌬️ – If your house feels drafty, even with windows and doors closed, it’s a sure sign that your insulation isn’t up to snuff.
Pest Infestation 🐁 – Pests love certain types of insulation material to make their nests. If you’re noticing an uptick in mice and other pests in your house, they may have found a way to get past your insulation and turn it into a comfy home.

What Types of Insulation Are There?

One of the most overwhelming choices for homeowners is deciding what type of insulation they should replace their existing insulation with. There is a wide range of materials available on the market, each with its own unique pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular types available.

Blanket Insulation

If you knock down your walls, chances are that you would find blanket insulation already there. Blanket insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation materials on the market. A type of fiberglass insulation, it typically arrives in a roll and is unrolled and affixed to the wall. This type of insulation is usually cut with a utility knife to fit your space.

This is a highly affordable type of insulation, coming in at about $30 per roll. While it insulates effectively, it is prone to breaking down after a decade or two, meaning you will likely find yourself facing insulation problems as your home ages.

Concrete Insulation

When it comes to durable insulation, concrete certainly takes the cake! Concrete insulation is typically only used when you are constructing your home. The concrete blocks are used to create the foundation of your home and then filled with things like steel wool insulation to stop air leaks.

When it comes to insulation replacement, we generally would advise against concrete insulation unless you are doing a major renovation of your space.

Foam Board Insulation

Foam board insulation is a popular material choice for basements or areas of your home that are prone to moisture collection. Foam board is resistant to moisture retention and mold growth, making it an excellent choice for basements and attics alike.

Loose Fill Insulation

When it comes to filling in gaps in your existing insulation, many homeowners opt to have loose fill insulation materials installed. Also referred to as “blown in insulation,” this is a fiberglass insulation blend that a professional can place in any gaps in your existing insulation.

While it’s a messy process, it’s a hugely effective way to insulate your house. Expect to pay between $600-$1200 per 1000 square feet.

Spray Foam Insulation

More and more homeowners are turning to spray foam as an insulation solution. Spray foam is great for climates that have a lot of extremes in weather, as it won’t expand and contract with changing temperatures. It’s also excellent at repelling water and keeping your home dry and insulated.

That being said, spray foam insulation can be 2-3 times more expensive than standard insulation made out of fiberglass.