Just like most aspects of your home, your loft insulation will eventually need replacing. Over time it will lose its effectiveness, making it hard to keep your home at the right temperature. Read on to learn the signs that your loft insulation needs replacing.

How long does loft insulation last?

Depending on the materials used and how well it was installed, your loft insulation may last upwards of 40 years. However, that’s not the case in every home. It’s recommended that you check the state of your insulation every five to seven years to make sure all is in good order.

Different types of insulation also tend to last different lengths of time:

• Fibreglass insulation: Seven to 10 years
• Blown in insulation: 10 to 15 years
• Spray insulation: Should last 40+ years if installed correctly

If you feel the need to upgrade your insulation, you may not have to remove the insulation already in place. If it is free of dust, dry and still retaining its shape, you can simply apply new insulation on top of it. That way, you’ll maintain its benefits and cover any gaps that were there before.

Signs your insulation needs replacing

Rising bills

If your energy bills are increasing without any obvious cause, your insulation could be failing to do its job correctly. With better-quality loft insulation, you’ll retain more of your home’s heat, subsequently lowering your bills.

Finding pests

It’s not unheard of for people to find rodents and other household pests feeding off and nesting in old loft insulation. Not only is this a pretty horrifying thought, but it will also mean you’ll have holes in your insulation for heat to escape out of. Spray foam insulation is particularly effective at preventing pests.

Water damage

Water damage and poor insulation go hand in hand. Ineffective insulation can cause pipes to freeze and burst in the winter, causing leaks and mould in your home. Water also displaces air gaps in fibreglass insulation, rendering it ineffective and in need of replacement.

Inconsistent temperatures

If you find certain areas of your home are warmer than others, it could be caused by faulty insulation. Gaps in the insulation will cause draughts to enter your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increasing your bills.

Bad odours

If you begin to smell unpleasant, musty odours around your home, it could be a sign that your loft insulation needs replacing. Loft insulation isn’t immune to damp and mould, especially if it has been in place for a long time. Additionally, poorly installed spray insulation can give off gas-like odours.

Let us remove your insulation for you

Need to remove your old loft insulation ready for replacement? Let us do it for you. After all, removing it yourself can be messy, time consuming and dangerous if you lack the experience.

The experts at Dean’s Property Services provide a fast, hassle-free loft insulation removal service, wherever you are in the UK. However big or small the task, we aim to get to work within 48 hours of your call.

Why wait? Get in touch today.