Taking out old insulation is no small task, but it can be done by homeowners. However, it is recommended that homeowners hire professionals to clear out blown in or loose-fill insulation.
There are many reasons to remove insulation, such as wildlife damage (rodent feces, urine, etc.) and mold problems. Read https://perthinsulationremover.com.au/ to learn more.
Both mold and mildew are fungi that develop due to excessive, unchecked moisture. They grow and thrive in areas that are damp, warm and poorly lighted, including cellars, crawl spaces of homes without basements, laundry rooms and closets, as well as on fabrics, wallpaper, carpeting and some wood products. Mildew is usually found on flat surfaces and typically grows where there’s high humidity, such as shower walls and windowsills. It can also grow on porous items, such as drywall, fabric, leather and paper.
Both can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Mold spores can also produce potent allergens and toxins that can cause breathing difficulties, especially for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Mildew, on the other hand, can aggravate allergies but it’s not as invasive or dangerous as mold.
In many cases, homeowners can clean mildew by using a sponge and soapy water or bleach solution. However, it’s important to wear PPE, such as a dust mask, and scrub the area thoroughly. It’s also recommended to frequently change the water and use fresh sponges, as old water can redeposit mildew spores into the air.
The best way to prevent mold and mildew growth is to remove or replace porous items that have become damp or damaged, such as wet cellulose insulation. Mold can easily contaminate these materials and spread throughout the home, producing a musty odor that’s difficult to get rid of.
It’s also a good idea to replace old insulation if it’s been exposed to rodent urine or feces. Mice, raccoons and birds often leave behind these contaminants in their droppings that can saturate the insulation, making it unusable. Old insulation can also be a host for the fungus chytrid, which can lead to a serious lung condition called chymocytosis.
Many homes lose energy through air leakage around windows, doors and in the attic and basement. Air leaking out of these small areas is similar to leaving a window open all day, costing you money that could be better spent on improving comfort and energy savings.
To reduce this loss, you need to locate the air leaks and seal them with caulk or expandable foam spray. Look for signs of air leaks such as wet insulation, dirty insulation or moisture condensation on wall framing and interior trim. You should also inspect the attic hatch to make sure it is properly sealed. This is the most common area for air leakage in a home.
When you have finished with the attic hatch, look for gaps around ducts, electrical wires and plumbing vent pipes. You should caulk these areas as well. Then use expandable foam spray to fill any gaps in the attic larger than 1/4 inch. This is best done with a helper who can hold the can while you apply the foam.
Finally, be careful not to bury any older electrical wiring. This can cause a heat build-up and damage the insulation or pose a fire hazard. This should be replaced by a qualified electrician.
Other areas for air leaks are where the walls meet, at floorboard seams and through penetrations such as chimneys and light fixtures. Properly sealing these holes will prevent the air from moving into your home and out of it, increasing your comfort and energy savings.
Rodents like to nest in attics and other roof spaces because they provide a warm, dry area that is protected from predators. Often when they settle in attics, they will use insulation to build their nests. Rodents are not only a nuisance, they can cause a lot of damage to the structure of your house and to your existing insulation. If you suspect you have a rodent infestation in your attic, you should consider getting your insulation replaced immediately.
Rodents will contaminate your attic insulation with their feces and urine, leaving behind unpleasant smells and harmful airborne contaminants. These toxins can be spread to any living space in your house, through the ventilation system. They can also lead to allergies, asthma and other health problems in the occupants of your house.
If you have mice, rats, raccoons or squirrels living in your attic insulation, it is important to get it removed and replace it with new fiberglass. This will eliminate the pests and prevent them from returning. In addition, replacing your attic insulation will also ensure the proper functioning of your home’s energy efficiency system.
You should always have a professional inspect your attic and roof space before you make any insulation replacement decisions. The professional will be able to determine if your attic is in good condition and if any rodents are present. He will be able to help you choose the right type of insulation for your house, and he will be able to make sure that your attic is properly sealed so that pests cannot enter in the future.
Insulation is an integral part of your home’s energy efficiency, and it can have a significant impact on your home’s indoor comfort. If you are concerned about the condition of your attic insulation, contact Green Attic to have it inspected by a licensed and experienced contractor. They can replace your old insulation and ensure that it is properly installed and rodent proofed to prevent future pest invasions. Their featured Insulation Premium Class 1 Borate Treated Cellulose repels rodents and will stop them from nesting in your attic.
Insulation only lasts so long, and over the years it can get worn out or damaged. When this happens, it is necessary to remove the old insulation and replace it. This will improve the temperature and air quality of your home.
It also helps lower energy bills and can increase the sale price of your house if you plan to sell it in the future.
Adding new insulation is a smart home improvement that will pay for itself in lower utility costs in both summer and winter. The new insulation will also significantly reduce the amount of time that your heating and cooling system runs.
In older homes, it’s not uncommon for old and damaged insulation to become contaminated. Mold spores and pest infestation can leave their marks on your insulation, causing a host of health issues when inhaled. Those who have existing insulation that has been affected by moisture, mold and other contaminants should get it removed immediately.
Before the insulation removal begins, it is important to protect your attic space and any belongings stored there. Using plastic sheeting will keep things clean and ensure that loose fiberglass fibers do not escape into the living spaces of your home. Preparing the attic for this work will include clearing any furniture and boxes from the area. It is also helpful to put down a tarp to catch any falling insulation during the process.