Manufacturers say attic insulation can last 80-100 years, but experts recommend replacing it after 15 years. 
Having a well-insulated home will save you money on air conditioning and heating. If set up correctly, energy expenses are the area where you as a homeowner can save the most money.
Insufficient or damaged attic insulation may need to be replaced to improve home energy efficiency and comfort. Over the years, updates will need to be done throughout your home interiors, don’t forget to include insulation on your list.
Here are some signs that indicate you should replace your attic insulation:
- Rats or rodents
- Mold growth
- Older home or building
- Insulation is dusty or dirty
- Roof damaged by water
- Weakened insulation
- Cold and hot rooms
Rats or rodents
Rodents in attics are one of the most destructive things a building can face. Rodents prefer attics because they are protected from the elements and can stay warm and dry. They are also protected from predators when they are safe and cozy nesting in your insulation.
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your attic, don’t delay replacing your attic insulation. A long-term rodent infestation in an attic will become more widespread and extensive.
Mold growth
If you notice mold growth on your attic insulation or nearby surfaces, such as the framing around the ceilings, you should remove insulation and replace it.
Mold loves moist, warm environments. Mold cannot grow in dry conditions. Mold growth on your home’s surfaces can be a serious issue, affecting both your home’s air quality and structural integrity.
Older home or building
Especially in older homes, attic insulation may need to be replaced. The majority of today’s attic insulation is designed to last a long time, but only if kept clean and dry. Similarly, older homes may have older insulation, which may or may not be sufficient for your home’s needs.
If you live in an older home, you should inspect the attic insulation. Visually inspecting your attic can reveal information such as its cleanliness, insulation condition, and even the type of insulation installed.
Insulation is dusty or dirty
Whether you realize it or not, the air quality in your attic affects the air quality throughout your home. Dust and debris can clog vented attic spaces over time. After a storm, your insulation will be caked in dust.
Although dust may be an annoyance in your home, dust in your attic may contain harmful contaminants. Recent research shows that attic dust contains pollutants from the time of construction. Heavy metals, for example, can be detrimental to your health if inhaled from the environment, so please, keep this in mind.
Roof damaged by water
A leaking roof can cause serious issues that must be addressed immediately. If your roof leaks, you’ll likely need to replace your attic insulation as well. It is essential because water leaking through your roof can damage the attic insulation beneath it.
Wet attic insulation is ineffective as an insulator. Damp insulation can transfer moisture to nearby framing and building materials, causing mold growth and compromising framing material structural integrity.
Weakened insulation
Insulation is occasionally moved or damaged during repairs, and it is not always replaced. As a result, some areas may be inadequately insulated. It could indicate that your insulation has been moved or compromised, causing temperature fluctuations in your home. Your energy bills will rise as your HVAC system works harder to heat or cool your home.
If your insulation has been moved and there is a gap, mold can grow. Warm air finds its way into the gaps in the insulation, where it condenses and feeds the mold. So in case of weak insulation, you should replace your attic insulation.
Cold and hot rooms
Fluctuating temperatures throughout your home is a tell-tale sign that your insulation is uneven. If no one wants to work in the office because it’s always cold or if all your kids want to sleep in the same room because its warm; you need to have someone come out and take a look.
Final Thoughts
Statistically speaking, 9 out of 10 homes are underinsulated. This means that unless you’ve added extra insulation, your home could probably use more. Offices, barns, and steel buildings also need to properly insulated.
Builders install minimum that they can legally get away with. It makes sense because adding more insulation means spending more money.
Also, almost half of the energy your home uses is for heating and cooling your home. That’s why you need to have a well-insulated home.
If you find any of the abovementioned signs in your home, you should hire a professional to replace your attic insulation. Your family and your pocketbook will thank you.