Underfloor insulation, alongside wall insulation and ceiling insulation, helps create a more comfortable home environment. It will stop you from getting fluctuating indoor temperatures and power bills, and go a long way towards improving the overall energy efficiency of your home.
However, bad insulation under your floorboards is as good as no insulation.
Old or damaged foam underfloor insulation can become a breeding ground for fungal growth and pests. At best, it stops performing its basic function; at worst, it becomes a health hazard.
In this blog, we’ll tell you when it’s time to replace your insulation. You’ll also learn how to remove your old insulation and what to look for in new underfloor insulation for existing timber floors.
6 Signs That Your Insulation Needs Replacing
- It’s old or outdated: Most insulation materials can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. If you’ve lived in your home a long time, or you’ve moved into an old house, chances are the insulation in it is past its used-by date. It also might not be compliant with modern safety standards.
- Visible damage or droppings: If your insulation is crumbling, sagging, mouldy or water-damaged, it is no longer doing its job. Signs of rodents or insects can also indicate that it’s not providing an effective barrier.
- Uneven temperatures and airflow: Poor insulation can let draughts in and cause hot and cold spots around the home. Inconsistent airflow or reduced air circulation is also hard to regulate, leading to issues with heating and cooling efficiency.
- Unpleasant odours: Persistent damp or musty smells can be a sign of moisture buildup in your insulation. This can lead to mould and mildew growth. If left as is, it can pose health risks and further degrade the insulation material.
- Rising energy costs: There is a correlation between outdated insulation and skyrocketing heating and cooling costs. If the insulation is no longer keeping hot or cold air out, you will be using your HVAC systems a lot more – and paying for it!
- Allergies or respiratory issues: Ageing or damaged insulation can trap allergens, dust, and other particles, affecting indoor air quality. Over time, this buildup can lead to increased allergy symptoms and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
The Risks of Leaving Deteriorated Insulation Under Floorboards
- Structural damage: Moisture issues, such as the buildup of water or condensation, can cause the underside of timber floors to rot. This then weakens the structural integrity of the floor. Over time, this can cause warping, sagging, or even collapse in severe cases, leading to costly repairs.
- Health complications: Long-term exposure to mould spores or impacted air quality from poor insulation can trigger breathing difficulties, skin irritation, and other health problems. This can be particularly concerning for vulnerable people like children and the elderly, or those with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Asbestos exposure: Insulation in Australian homes built before the 1970s is likely to contain asbestos. It is a toxic, carcinogenic material that can severely damage the lungs if inhaled. It also takes a specialist team to remove it.
- Fire hazard: If the insulation is old, its fire resistance may have diminished over time. In the event of a fire, it can contribute to the rapid spread of flames, increasing the risk of extensive damage to the property and posing a serious safety threat to anyone inside.
- Pest infestations: As insulation decays, it attracts pests. If termites get into the insulation, they can also chew their way through the wood and spread throughout the structure. This can damage beams, floor joists, and other support components of the home.
How to Safely Remove Old Insulation
When it comes time to replace insulation, you need to determine whether you want to remove the old one yourself or call in the experts.
Do you have protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses? Are you equipped to handle mouldy or pest-infested insulation? Does it contain asbestos, and do you know where you can safely dispose of it?
If DIY underfloor insulation removal is not ideal, you should call the company where you are getting your new insulation boards. Ask if they can remove them for you, as well as install the new ones (combining the two services may get you a better price).
Another benefit of getting professionals is that they can thoroughly clean out the insulation space for you too.
How to Choose the Right New Insulation
One of the most popular types of insulation materials on the market is rigid foam board under timber floor insulation. These high-quality pre-cut panels are tough yet lightweight and easy to install. They have superior thermal performance and are designed to stop heat transfer and reduce noise levels.
Plus, rigid foam insulation is an easy DIY option — its lightweight design makes it simple to manoeuvre and install, often as a one-person job.
Other common forms of insulation include fibreglass, wool, rubber and foil.
Fibreglass is very affordable, but it can be tricky to install as the fibres are skin and eye irritants. Wool is natural and has excellent thermal properties. However, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without appearing wet, so it needs to be heavily treated.
Rubber is better at regulating acoustics than temperature, and foil is only effective when paired with another material.
Make Expol Your Go-To for Quality Insulation Replacement
If it’s time for a home insulation upgrade, trust Expol’s foam board insulation to provide the performance and reliability your home deserves.
Designed and sized specifically for your underfloor space, these precision-cut panels help keep your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and comfortable all year round.
Upgrading your insulation is an investment in your home’s long-term health and functionality. Better insulation helps create a healthier living environment by preventing moisture buildup, mould, and pests.
Expol underfloor insulation for timber floors is available at leading hardware stores and other selected outlets Australia-wide.
Contact us at 1300 AU FOAM if you would like to find out more.
