4 dangers lurking in your old attic insulation

This story was produced by Haley Crim and distributed by Next Net.

Old attic insulation can quickly go from being a nuisance to a major hazard for your home and health. By practicing insulation safety and replacing your insulation when necessary, you will keep your home healthy, happy, and energy-efficient. 

Have you noticed an increase in your energy bill, but can't pinpoint the cause? Do you find yourself sneezing regularly or dealing with breathing issues? If so, your home may have attic health hazards from damaged or outdated insulation. 

In this article, we will explore four dangers of old attic insulation and how insulation safety can improve your quality of life. Let's dive in. 

1. Asbestos Exposure

Before it was banned in the 1970s, Asbestos was one of the most popular insulation materials. As a result, many older homes still have asbestos insulation.

However, asbestos exposure comes with severe health risks, such as: 

• Lung cancer: Malignant tumors that invade the lungs and cause lung function problems before spreading to other parts of the body
• Mesothelioma: Cancer found in the membrane lining of the lungs as well as other organs throughout the body
• Asbestosis: Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, often caused by exposure for long periods 
• Pleural disease: Thickening of the membrane around the lung and chest cavity, which can also cause fluid to build up

If you have asbestos insulation, you should not attempt to remove it by yourself. It is always a better option to bring in a professional who has knowledge of safety protocols and can remove asbestos without further contaminating the area. 

2. Mold Growth

Older homes are more prone to leaks and water damage as they age. When water seeps into the walls and other parts of the house, mold may begin to grow within your insulation. Since the attic is usually the highest point of the home, attic insulation is even more likely to be exposed to excess moisture and begin to grow mold.

Mold can exacerbate common lung conditions like allergies and asthma. Some of the primary symptoms of mold exposure include: 

• Neurological: Headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, rare seizures, cognitive issues
• Allergic: Rashes, itching, eye watering, anaphylaxis, swelling
• Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea 

For small patches of mold, you may be able to tackle it yourself. However, once mold has gotten into places such as attic insulation, professional intervention is sometimes the only option. 

3. Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation is relatively safe and remains one of the most popular insulation materials. However, it can be dangerous when it begins to break down and releases particles into the air. 

People with health problems such as asthma or allergies can get seriously ill from fiberglass exposure. Loose fiberglass can also irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs. 

Here are some steps to take if you have been exposed to fiberglass particles:

• Remove visible fibers from your skin and gently wash skin that has been exposed, being careful not to rub the fiberglass particles in
• Wash fiberglass-covered clothing separately to avoid exposure to other articles of clothing
• Flush out your eyes with water as soon as possible

4. Pest Infestation

Insulation is attractive to pests such as rodents and bugs. Its warm interior is cozy during the winter months. It also makes good nesting material for many different species. 

If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control company right away. Some of the key signs to look out for include: 

• Rodent droppings 
• Nesting materials
• Chewed insulation 

Even if you control the infestation, damaged insulation may still contain toxic droppings or nesting materials. Remove old insulation that has been home to pests and replace it with new material. 

What To Do Next

Address attic insulation issues as soon as you spot them. Working with professionals is the easiest way to fix the problem and restore your peace of mind. 

To get attic insulation in Hudson Valley, research local companies. Look at verified review sites and see what other customers say about customer service and pricing. 

When replacing your attic insulation, the professionals will use safer, more modern insulation options, such as: 

• Foam plastic
• Cellulose
• Natural fibers
• Mineral wool
• Reflective insulation

Receive quotes from multiple companies and compare the cost and which services are included. Always get the quotes in writing so that you have documentation of the agreed-upon price. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell how old attic insulation is? 

Several factors can help you determine the age of your attic insulation: 

• Material condition: Older material often has discoloration, pests, or other types of damage, and has shrunk or settled over time 
• Material type: Certain insulation materials, such as urea-formaldehyde foam insulation and asbestos, are popular in older homes
• Performance: If your energy bill is higher or your home has temperature fluctuations, your insulation may be too old to be effective

Should old insulation be removed from an attic?

It depends. If there is extensive damage or problems such as mold or pests, then you should remove the old insulation. Toxic materials like urea-formaldehyde foam and asbestos should be taken out and replaced.

If your insulation is in good condition, a complete replacement may not be necessary. You can achieve similar results by adding more insulation. 

Work with professionals to remove and get rid of your old insulation, especially if it's made of materials like asbestos or fiberglass. 

How much does it cost to remove and replace attic insulation? 

Like many types of home renovations, the cost of removing and replacing attic insulation can vary. Here are some of the factors that may influence the final price tag:

• The location of your home
• The size of your attic
• The type of insulation material
• The removal and disposal process

Does replacing attic insulation increase home value? 

Yes. The attic is one of the main points in your home where energy can escape, so insulating it properly can boost your home value and attract more potential buyers. 

Consider Updating Old Attic Insulation Today

Is it time to upgrade your old attic insulation? With this guide, you can make an informed decision and complete the process smoothly and safely. 

For more home renovation tips and tricks, explore our website. 

This article was contributed by Next Net and published on cdapress.com as part of our contributed content program. Contributed content provides perspectives from businesses and organizations. These contributions help support local journalism through financial support, ensuring we can continue delivering trusted local reporting to our readers.