CENTRAL ATLANTA Blog

Could my house be making me sick?

When considering home improvements in Atlanta, upgrading your attic insulation might not be at the top of your list. However, it's a critical step in maintaining energy efficiency and indoor air quality. An often overlooked but crucial aspect of this process is the removal of old insulation before adding new material. This article highlights why it's essential to remove old attic insulation, focusing on the presence of rodent infestations and the importance of air sealing.

1. Addressing Rodent Infestations

Old attic insulation can be a haven for rodents, providing a cozy nest and easy access to your home's warmth. We’ve see dead rats, squirrels, snakes, racoons, in attic spaces in Atlanta. Over time, these pests leave behind feces and urine, creating a hazardous environment. Rodent droppings are not just unsightly; they pose significant health risks. They can harbor diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella, which can become airborne and contaminate the air in your home.

When old insulation is left in place, these contaminants can mix with new insulation, effectively trapping harmful particles. Even worse, the attic air communicates with the living spaces below, meaning you could be breathing in contaminated air. Removing old insulation eliminates this risk, ensuring that your home remains a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. Did you know that over 400 million times a year the following phase is put into the google search bar, “Is my house making me sick?”…..maybe it could the contaminated air from your attic.

2. Importance of Air Sealing

Another critical reason to remove old insulation is the opportunity it provides for proper air sealing. Air sealing involves closing off gaps, cracks, and other openings in your attic floor to prevent air from leaking in and out of your home. This process is much more challenging, if not impossible, with old insulation in place.

Old insulation can hide problem areas, making it difficult to identify and seal leaks effectively. Without removing it, you're missing out on a chance to significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, 40% of energy gain or loss can be attributed to air leakage, leading to higher utility bills and a less comfortable living environment. By removing old insulation, you can thoroughly inspect and seal your attic, ensuring a more energy-efficient home.

3. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Attic air quality directly affects the air quality throughout your home. Contaminants from rodent feces, urine, and old, deteriorating insulation can easily circulate down into your living spaces. This issue is particularly concerning for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Removing old insulation reduces the presence of allergens and other harmful particles, leading to cleaner, healthier air.

4. Optimal Performance of New Insulation

New insulation performs best when installed in a clean, properly prepared space. If old insulation is left in place, it can compromise the effectiveness of the new material. Dust, debris, and remnants of old insulation can interfere with the new insulation’s ability to create a tight thermal barrier. Removing old insulation ensures that your new insulation works as intended, providing better thermal performance and enhancing your home's overall energy efficiency.

In conclusion, removing old attic insulation before adding new material is a vital step in ensuring a healthy, energy-efficient home. It allows you to address rodent infestations, effectively air seal your attic, improve indoor air quality, and ensure the optimal performance of your new insulation. Taking the time to do this thoroughly will pay off in long-term benefits, providing a safer, more comfortable living environment for you and your family. We spend over 90% of our life indoors, so don’t you want the peace of mind to know that the air you and your family is breathing is safe????

Book your free insulation evaluation today with Koala Insulation of Central Atlanta or call us at (404) 994-1287 we would love the opportunity to help.