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Posted: 26th April 2023 | Author: Jamie Brown
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Thinking of replacing your loft insulation? Perhaps it’s old, damaged or starting to disintegrate, or has been affected by moisture due to a leak in the roof. Or maybe you’re thinking of upgrading your loft insulation, and want to know whether you need to take the old materials out first.
Whichever scenario applies to you, this guide is here to help. Read on to find out whether or not you should remove old loft insulation, along with how to dispose of it properly if you do go ahead.
Depending on the materials used, loft insulation tends to have a pretty long life expectancy. However, there are some things that can damage it, or make it less effective at retaining heat in your home.
This includes one or more of the following:
If it looks as if your loft insulation is falling apart, has holes in it or is or otherwise damaged, it’s likely to need replacing.
If your insulation was installed a long time ago, it’s worth checking it (or bringing in a professional to assess it) for effectiveness. This can decrease with age, which is why older insulation starts to lose its thermal resistance. If you’ve noticed an increase in your heating bills and it’s not to do with rising energy prices, your old loft insulation could be a contributing factor.
You may also find that you need to top up your existing insulation to meet modern standards. Depth requirements have increased from 100mm to 270mm, but older homes don’t always meet this if the insulation was installed many years ago.
Insulation that is in good condition may be left in situ. But if there’s any chance that it’s damp, overly dusty or pests have been living in it, you’ll need to remove it and start again.
Unless it’s been damaged, loft insulation should last for around 80 to 100 years.
It often depends on the material though. For example, spray foam insulation can last up to 80 years, while foamboard and mineral wool insulation can last a whole century before it needs replacing.
If your loft insulation does need replacing, you’ll need to know how to remove it safely and dispose of it properly.
The first step is to find out what kind of insulation you have. It’s strongly recommended to bring in a professional to test it if you’re not sure. This is partly because different materials need to be disposed of in different ways, but it’s also because of safety.
Some older homes still contain insulation made from or containing asbestos. This is very dangerous to human health if it’s disturbed, as asbestos fibres or particles are released into the air and can be inhaled. This can potentially lead to very serious health problems.
Even if your insulation doesn’t contain asbestos, you’ll still want to avoid breathing in any loose or broken-up particles. Other materials can also be hazardous to health if inhaled, or when they come into contact with the skin.
So, if you’re unsure, always play it safe and bring in the professionals. They’ll assess the material and tell you exactly how to remove and dispose of it safely.
If you know what your insulation is and are confident in removing it, you can go ahead and complete the job. This is easiest with PIR insulation board, but make sure you’re wearing gloves and a protective mask if you’re removing mineral wool insulation.
Lastly, we come to the final step before you can install your new insulation. This is to safely and responsibly dispose of the old insulation materials removed from your loft.
If you’re using a contractor, they’ll usually dispose of the insulation privately for a small fee.
Removing the insulation yourself? You won’t be able to put it in your wheelie bin at home, but you can take it to a household waste recycling centre which accepts insulation. There are exceptions to this though. You can’t take any hazardous substances such as asbestos to the tip, so you’ll need to pay to have this disposed of safely by a specialist company.
Remember that if you’re unsure about any aspect of removing insulation, you should always use a professional contractor. This is someone who can do the job safely and dispose of the unwanted insulation appropriately.
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The Author: Jamie Brown
From my early working life as a labourer, then becoming a builder and a property developer, I have been buying and using building materials for over 25 years. I set about to start a builders merchant which can offer high-quality products and significant savings along with speedy delivery to keep your sites moving. Still having a foot in the construction industry on my own property, I always make sure the products we sell are up to our high standards which is important for us to keep a great image for the company and superior reputation to supply quality!
