Do I Really Need To Remove Old Insulation Or Can I Just Add More?
When you hear about people removing their old insulation before installing new insulation, you might be asking yourself if that’s a requirement or more of a recommendation. It’s a little of both, and we’re here to tell you why. Find out why you shouldn’t be adding new insulation on top of your old set before reaching out to Foam Bear Tampa for all of your spray foam needs like insulation removal and spray foam installation!
The Possible Downsides to Covering Up Old Insulation
If you’re thinking about skipping a step and installing new insulation on top of your old layer, you’ll want to stop for a second and consider the downsides:
One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t pile on insulation is that if you’re looking to make an upgrade, different materials aren’t always compatible with each other. This means you would be wasting your new material on a surface that will hinder its potential by getting in the way of proper thermal protection.
Even if your new insulation is made up of the same stuff as your old insulation, layering new on top of old can lead to harmful detriments like trapping mold and mildew in your walls or roofing which can affect your lungs and skin. You may encounter respiratory problems or extreme itchiness if your skin is exposed to any floating particles.
Layering new and old insulation can also pose a fire hazard, especially when installed near heating appliances. Removing any traces of old and flammable insulation before installing new insulation can reduce the risk of materials catching on fire.
The Process of Removing Old Insulation
Many property owners skip insulation removal because they believe it takes up too much time and effort. While this may be true with DIY removal which can be unsafe when done incorrectly, the process is fast and simple when hiring a professional. Insulation experts will know how to perform the necessary safety precautions to remove and dispose of your old insulation hassle-free.
What About Spray Foam On Top of Spray Foam?
Not all old insulation is fiberglass. When we talk about old insulation, we’re talking about all materials including spray foam. It’s true that spray foam can last for 80 or more years when installed correctly. But when your spray foam has been poorly applied, you might think of adding more on top to compensate. This is where things can get complicated because spray foam can be used to touch up thin or incomplete areas, but it requires skill and precision.
Call a professional to inspect your current insulation and discuss the best approach. However, a good rule of thumb is that it’s almost always better to remove old insulation and start fresh no matter what to ensure the desired results and guaranteed longevity.
Need Help? Call Your Local Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Tampa!
Every home is different which is why our best advice is to call for an official inspection of your property to find the most efficient route for you. Call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 to ask about our removal and vacuum services and see if it’s necessary for you before adding new insulation. We will gladly provide you with a free estimate before we get started on any projects.
