When it comes to house insulation, should you replace it or repair it? That’s the question many Ottawa residents are asking themselves, especially now that winter is just around the corner. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of replacing vs repairing insulation so that you can make an informed decision for your home. After reading the blog post, you will be able to decide whether your insulation needs to be replaced or not.
Factors Influencing Whether or Not You Need To Replace Your Home Insulation
The two main factors influencing whether or not you need to replace your home insulation are:
- the severity of the damage
- type of insulation
Let’s look at these factors in a bit of detail:
- Severity of the Damage:
If the damage to your insulation is severe, then you will likely need to replace it. Because severely damaged insulation will not be able to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
It is the insulation that helps to regulate the temperature inside the home, and it also helps to reduce noise levels. However, insulation can also be damaged by water, rodents, and other factors. When insulation becomes damaged, it can no longer perform its functions properly. As a result, insulation replacement may be necessary.
Therefore, the severity of the damage will play a role in determining whether insulation replacement is necessary. For example, if the insulation has been completely soaked through by water, it will need to be replaced. On the other hand, if the insulation has only been lightly damaged, it may be possible to repair it.
Further, factors such as the type of insulation and the age of the home will also influence whether insulation replacement is necessary.
- Type of Insulation:
There are two main types of insulation: fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass insulation is made from recycled glass, while cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. If your home has fiberglass insulation, then you may be able to repair it if the damage is not too severe. However, if your home has cellulose insulation, you will likely need to replace it if it is damaged. This is because cellulose insulation cannot be effectively repaired once damaged.
Replacing vs Repairing Home Insulation: The Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve looked at the factors influencing whether or not you need to replace your insulation let’s explore the pros and cons of each option; Replacing or Repairing:
Replacing Home Insulation:
Pros:
Replacing insulation will:
- be effective in regulating the temperature in your home. Because new insulation will not have any damage that could prevent it from doing its job.
- help to reduce your energy bills. Because new insulation will be more effective in keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Cons:
- Replacing insulation can be expensive.
Repairing Home Insulation:
Pros:
Repairing insulation is:
- cheaper than replacement. Because you will only need to pay for the cost of labor, and not for the cost of new insulation.
- less disruptive than replacing it. Because you will not need to remove all of the insulation from your home to repair it.
Cons:
- may not be as effective as replacing it, even after it has been repaired.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to replace or repair home insulation is a decision that should be made by a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and determine what is best for your home.
We hope the blog post helped you decide ‘does your house insulation need to be replaced or not. Stay warm in the upcoming winter.
