How Often To Add Insulation To Attic

How often do i need to replace insulation in my attic.

How often to add insulation to attic.

While some insulation is built to last years there are times when you need to replace your insulation or add on more insulation to it. Insulation should also be replaced in some cases sooner than 15 years if it is no longer doing its job properly. It s a diy project you can tackle in a weekend and the savings you ll get add up every year says toh general contractor tom silva. You ll know it needs to be replaced if there are insulation leaks or if it is peeling from the walls.

But many homeowners i talk with don t know how much is enough. In older homes there s a chance your attic insulation has never been replaced and could be badly degraded. How often should attic insulation be replaced. The answer depends on where you live.

Insulation levels are specified by r value. If you ve never had your insulation checked out before it s time to get it done. Typically houses in warm weather states should have an r 38 insulation in the attic whereas houses in cold climates should have r 49. These insulation levels will keep heated air from migrating out in winter.

But if you ve got an unfinished attic giving it proper insulation is one of the simplest ways to keep a lid on your heating bill this season. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Foam insulation can settle after a year and may need to be replaced to keep it fluffy and insulating properly. If you have an older home chances are the attic insulation is the same insulation that was installed when the house was built.

Standard insulation starts to degrade and start peeling from walls after about 15 years.