Knowing when to Replace Your Basement Wall Insulation

Basement wall insulation only lasts so long, so you need to know what signs to look for to tell you when it is time to replace it. When it comes to cutting down on heating and cooling costs, insulating your basement is a good solution.

Animal or Bug Infestation

If you have or had an animal infestation in your basement, you should replace the insulation. Animals tend to nest in insulation which destroys it. The ruined insulation is ineffective and needs to be replaced.

If you have a bug problem, there could be left over eggs that were not destroyed during extermination. Once these eggs hatch, you will have the problem yet again. Your best bet is to remove the insulation as soon as you are able to reenter the area.

Flooded Basement

Any time a basement floods, there is a good chance the insulation got wet. Wet insulation is a breeding ground for mold. The air that is in your basement doesn’t stay in your basement. It makes its way up into your home. Having mold and mildew in your basement can increase respiratory problems. You should first take care of the wet basement problem. Once you have effectively sealed off your basement, replace the insulation.

Old Insulation

Insulation only lasts so long. Using a gloved hand, touch the insulation. If it crumbles upon touch, this is a tell tale sign that your insulation is past its prime.