As you know, the purpose of insulation is to help keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. However, should your insulation be full of holes, this can be easier said than done. Ultimately, damaged insulation will mean higher energy costs. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why your insulation may contain holes. If you're curious about why your insulation is in poor shape and how it can be fixed, here is all you need to know.
Rodents
In most instances where insulation is full of holes, the culprits are rodents such as mice or rats. These pests especially love fiberglass insulation, since it is warm and soft, making it a perfect nesting material. To solve this problem, you first need to get rid of the rodents, which can be done by using traps. As you get rid of the rodents, you'll likely need new insulation to replace what was damaged, especially if it was fiberglass insulation.
Foundation Issues
In some cases where a building's foundation has issues, this can result in insulation within walls getting holes in it due to the structure shifting over time. So it’s important to fill the holes first, then seek a foundation check. If you need to replace the foundation you will want to find out as soon as possible.
Insulation is Very Old
If you have an older home or other building, it is always possible the current insulation may just be too old to continue being effective. When this occurs, many experts recommend using polyurethane spray foam as a quick fix. This spray foam insulation will expand as it is sprayed, meaning it can fill a large area quickly. However, if the damage is combined with other factors such as rodents or insects, it can sometimes mean an extensive insulation renovation may be needed. Yet before doing so, always have your current insulation checked by a professional, since they may be able to offer specific repairs in place of total replacement.
Wildlife
Finally, while rodents can do their fair share of damage to insulation, so too can wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, and bats. If you find holes in your insulation, as well as evidence wildlife, has penetrated your attic. Look for things such as holes in your roof or fascia, you'll need to repair these areas first using either wire mesh or concrete. Once you've done this, you can use foam-a-fill or cut out square pieces of fiberglass insulation to replace damaged areas.
If you don't want to have insulation that winds up looking like swiss cheese, keep these tips in mind. They will surely help you as you wage battle with rodents, wildlife, insects, and Mother Nature to repair your home's insulation.
