Insulation is a critical component of your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, but it can’t last forever. Insulating materials can lose their effectiveness due to age, moisture, pest infestations, and general wear and tear. Old or compromised insulation will drive up your utility bills, allow mold to spread, and affect your indoor air quality.
Here’s what you need to know about how long insulation lasts and when it’s time to replace it.
Typical Lifespan of Different Insulation Materials
Insulation longevity depends on the material, location, environmental conditions, pest activity, and water damage.
- Fiberglass batts: 80 to 100 years under optimal conditions; often begins degrading sooner
- Blown-in cellulose: 20 to 30 years
- Spray foam insulation: 80+ years – less if exposed to moisture
- Mineral wool: Up to 100 years if undisturbed and kept dry
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Insulation
Even if your insulation is within its expected lifespan, it may not be performing well. Watch for these red flags:
- Increased heating or cooling bills
- Drafts or uneven temperatures
- Visible mold or moisture stains
- Pest droppings, nests, or chewed material
- Musty odors or poor air quality
- Compacted, damp, sagging, or deteriorated insulation
Any of these signs could indicate that your insulation is no longer doing its job – and that it’s time for a professional inspection.
Health and Safety Concerns With Old Insulation
Outdated or contaminated insulation wastes energy and can impact your health and safety.
- Poor air quality: Moldy or dust-filled insulation can circulate allergens and contaminants throughout your home.
- Humidity and moisture problems: Insulation that traps water may allow fungal growth to thrive.
- Pest activity: Rodents and insects will nest in insulation, leaving behind waste and damage that compromise the material and threaten your home’s hygiene.
- Lack of temperature control: When insulation fails, it forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable climate.
It’s time to consider a replacement if your insulation is more than a decade old or you experience any of these issues.
Why Professional Assessment and Replacement Matters
Not all insulation problems are visible to the untrained eye. Crawl Space Ninja specializes in evaluating attic and crawl space insulation and recommending solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Whether you need removal, replacement, air sealing, or moisture control, we’ll get the job done correctly and safely.
We also offer mold remediation and a proprietary crawl space encapsulation system to support long-term insulation performance.
Keep Your Home Efficient, Healthy, and Comfortable
Insulation is an investment in your home’s energy efficiency, structural health, and indoor comfort. But like any component of your home, it needs periodic attention to remain effective. If your insulation is old, damaged, or underperforming, let our pros help you restore it. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and customized plan to upgrade your comfort and savings.