Replace or Top Up Your Insulation?

With the price of energy rising quite considerably in recent years, lots of homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills. One of the most effective ways to maintain an energy-efficient home is to assess the condition of your existing insulation. Over time, insulation materials will degrade and they may no longer perform as they should. Knowing when to upgrade your insulation is essential to maintain a comfortable living space and reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems throughout the year.

If you find your existing insulation needs some attention, installing new insulation offers several benefits and can have a significant impact on your energy efficiency. When doing so, you typically have two options; replacing the insulation entirely or topping up the existing material. If you’re not sure which is best for your home, keep reading today.

Signs Your Insulation Needs Updating

Before deciding whether to replace or top up your insulation, it’s important to recognise the signs your insulation isn’t working as it should be;

Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bills are rising without an increase in usage, your deteriorating insulation could be to blame. A gradual increase often goes unnoticed until you review your longer-term energy usage trends.

Uneven Temperatures

Rooms that feel draughty in winter or overly warm in summer can indicate your insulation isn’t providing adequate thermal resistance. This can also lead to you needing to use your heating and cooling systems more.

Physical Deterioration

Insulation that’s damp and mouldy or has visible holes won’t be functioning properly. This deterioration can reduce effectiveness and even cause health risks, such as allergies or respiratory issues.

Understanding these signs can help you make the right decision about how to proceed when upgrading your home’s insulation.

Replacing or Topping Up Insulation

Many homeowners assume that the only way to improve their insulation is by completely removing the old materials and installing new insulation products. However, this isn’t always necessary and might not be the most cost-effective approach.

Topping Up Existing Insulation

If your existing insulation is still in good condition, adding a new layer of insulation on top can be an effective way to enhance its effectiveness. This method is particularly beneficial in attics where new insulation materials can be installed over existing batts or rolls. Topping up your insulation can boost the overall R-value, helping to keep your home much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The process is typically faster and less disruptive than a full replacement. It can also be more affordable, as you will only need to purchase additional insulation products rather than starting from scratch. However, it’s important to ensure the new insulation is compatible with the existing materials. For instance, you shouldn’t cover breathable materials like wool with rigid foam boards without suitable ventilation.

Replacing Old Insulation

If your existing insulation is damaged by water, infested by pests or has significantly degraded, replacing it entirely is often the recommended approach. A replacement project involves removing the old materials, which can be labour-intensive and more expensive, but it enables you to start from scratch with more effective insulation products that offer better thermal resistance and are more suited to your home.

Completely replacing old insulation also allows for a thorough check of the underlying structure for issues like mould growth or water damage, keeping your home safe for your family. However, the process can be messy and disruptive, especially if you need to replace insulation in large living spaces. For many homeowners, the long-term energy savings and improved comfort can outweigh these temporary inconveniences.

Exploring New Insulation Online

When deciding whether to replace or top up your insulation, it’s important to consider the current condition of the existing materials and the specific needs of your home. It can be beneficial to get some professional advice to ensure you’re making the right choice. Regardless of which option you choose, we can provide you with the highest quality insulation products at Online Insulation. We make it as easy as possible to purchase insulation online and we stock a variety of well-known brands, from Celotex and Kingspan to Rockwool and British Gypsum.
At Online Insulation, we have partnered with some of the largest distributors of insulation, enabling us to source your requirements as efficiently as possible. If you can’t see what you’re looking for on our website, please feel free to get in touch with us. Our experienced team can recommend the ideal insulation solutions for your needs, helping to improve the overall efficiency of the insulation throughout your home.