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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.

Is There An Incorrect Way To Install Spray Foam Insulation?

The concept of spray foam seems simple enough, but there are still so many errors you could make by not hiring a professional. Before you spend time and money on your property just to have it go horribly wrong, do yourself a favor and look at the incorrect way to install spray foam insulation so you don’t make a mistake that you’ll regret! For the best results, trust in your local spray foam insulation experts at Foam Bear Tampa for premium-grade products and professional installation.

Installing Your Spray Foam Too Fast

Do you ever find yourself starting a long and monotonous project with such high hopes in the beginning only to start rushing in the middle of it to get it over with? DIYers tend to do the same with self-applied spray foam, not realizing the scope of the project they’re getting themselves into. This causes them to spray the foam too fast. When you spray too quickly, you can end up with gaps or fluctuating consistencies. Both of these occurrences can negatively impact the effectiveness of your spray foam, keeping you from achieving the intended results and benefits.

Applying Too Much (Or Too Little) Foam

Even if you’re not rushing the application, it’s very likely to spray foam too thin or too thick. Either way can result in poor insulation or added risks. Spraying the foam too thin can cause your new insulation to not regulate temperatures as effectively as it should, and applying too thick of a layer can result in poor ventilation on top of the higher cost of using additional product. Finding the perfect balance is key to proper insulation and reduced costs, but it’s difficult to achieve that without expert assistance.

Neglecting to Apply a Top Coating

Your spray foam application could go exactly as planned, but it can still be incorrect if you don’t protect it with a vapor barrier or any other appropriate top coat. This top layer secures your spray foam for preservation and safety. These barriers can be made of silicone, acrylic, or urethane which are all supportive materials that can help your spray foam work exactly as it should for countless decades.

Mixing the Wrong Ratio When Combining Chemicals

Spray foam isn’t something that you mix ahead of time to save for the installation process later. It should be done on the spot at the time of installation, and getting the wrong composition can lead to poor results. This is a step that many people get wrong, causing them to spray foam incorrectly in a way that harms the end result. The correct way to mix spray foam is by combining polyol resin and isocyanate with equal parts of both chemicals. Straying from this ratio even a little can alter the consistency and ruin your insulation.

Placing Spray Foam Onto An Unclean Surface

Whether it be through laziness or sheer lack of observation, a simple mistake that can lead to incorrect spray foam application is the act of spraying onto an unclean surface. When you don’t clean the surface beforehand, any dirt or debris can stop the spray foam from adhering all the way. The foam can begin to peel off way before its intended lifespan or the bacteria trapped underneath can eat away at the building’s structure.

Do It Right and Hire a Professional For Spray Foam Installation!

To avoid installing spray foam incorrectly, leave it to the professionals at Foam Bear Tampa! We have the tools, knowledge, and skills to ensure proper spray foam application for decades of incredible results. Call our team today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate on your next service!