Category Archives: Insulation

Can I Add New Insulation Over Old Insulation?

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Depending on the type of insulation your home has, it may settle over time. Old insulation can also cause allergy issues and be affected by mold, mildew and pest infiltration.

In these instances, home or business owners may begin looking for ways to replace it. With this often comes the question of whether new insulation can be laid over old. Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia is here to say that, in some instances, the answer is yes.

When You Can Add New Insulation Over Old Insulation

According to ENERGY STAR®, it’s possible to put new insulation over old, but several key factors must be considered. If insulation has been exposed to moisture, you need to be certain the source of the leak has been addressed.

Wet insulation is a breeding ground for mold and mildew and can lead to issues like rotting the materials around it in your ceiling and walls. Installing over insulation that’s been infiltrated by pests can also cause problems. In these instances, it will need to be removed. If your insulation is dry and clean, then you should be free to install new insulation.

When You Should Replace Existing Insulation

Perhaps you’re new to the idea of insulation needing to be replaced. If you are, here are a few signs that your insulation needs to be replaced:

  • Uneven heat distribution: Hot or cold spots in your home may indicate holes have formed in your insulation.
  • Visible damage: Holes, cracks and moisture spots compromise its ability to insulate your home, as well as lead to the potential for mold growth.
  • Higher energy bills: If you haven’t changed your usual habits and your energy bills are rising, it can signal that your insulation is no longer effective.
  • Drafts and air leaks: If you notice air leaks or feel drafts around doors and windows, it indicates your insulation barrier is breaking down.
  • Age of insulation: If your insulation is 10-15 years old, it needs to be replaced.

A technician installing pink fiberglass batt insulation into a crawl space.

Additional Considerations During Retrofit Projects & Insulation Removal

When reinsulating your home, you’ll want the job done by professional insulation technicians. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind for various types of insulation, according to ENERGY STAR®:

  • Batt, rolled or blown insulation: When made of fiberglass or cellulose, they can be installed over existing insulation.
  • Rolled insulation: Unfaced rolls need to be used in this instance. They should be rolled out perpendicular to joists. The insulation also shouldn’t be tacked down, as the R-value can be reduced when it’s compressed or made flat.
  • “Faced” insulation: This shouldn’t be placed over existing attic insulation. Batt or roll insulation placed over existing attic insulation should be without the vapor retardant, as it can trap moisture.

Insulation technicians installing retrofit insulation in a home

Our trained insulation technicians can help with the installation to ensure the correct products are used along with their proper installation methods.

Schedule a Re-Insulation Project With Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia

Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia is a proud member of the IBP Family of Companies. This means we have a knowledge base and capabilities few of our competitors can match.

Our friendly and experienced team has one goal: to make your life easier. This is why we believe in offering the best re-insulation and insulation installation services. We offer free estimates and install a variety of materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, rigid board and rockwool.

If you’re considering reinsulating your property, contact Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia today.

Where to Install Insulation

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If you think your home needs more insulation but aren’t sure where you need to install insulation, that’s perfectly fine. It’s what this blog—and our team of professionals—is here for! There are many different places to insulate in your home that can help you save money all year round.

As a significant source of heat loss, the attic is one of the best places to start. However, this isn’t the only place to install home insulation. You should also insulate:

  • The lower levels, like basement and crawl space
  • Exterior and interior walls
  • Floors and ceilings

Where to Insulate: Attic

Your attic should be insulated, whether it’s finished or unfinished. The right amount of attic insulation helps ensure your home will be energy-efficient and comfortable all year long.

Where to Insulate: Crawl Spaces

As mentioned, the lower levels of your home are great places to insulate. Whether your crawl space is ventilated or unventilated, it should be insulated (and sealed) properly. If your home has a crawl space, a lot of air can leak in if it isn’t insulated.

Where to Insulate: Exterior & Interior Walls

Insulating your walls is one of the best ways to increase energy savings and eliminate any drafts and warm or cold spots in your home. Wall insulation also helps reduce outside noises and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC systems.

Where to Insulate: Floors & Ceilings

Installing insulation in the floors and ceilings of your home can help reduce noises between the different levels and rooms. Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass are some of the best types of insulation for soundproofing.

Home Insulation Contractors Serving the Visalia, California Area

For any and all your home insulation needs, look no further than the team at Broken Drum Insulation of Visalia. We install batt and blown-in fiberglass insulation for residential retrofit jobs and look forward to helping you improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.

Contact us today to get started!