A lot of Austin homeowners assume that if they have spray foam insulation installed in the attic, the old fiberglass or cellulose insulation will remain. The truth is, it’s best to have the old insulation removed before installing the new, but why?

Old insulation can actually prevent spray foam insulation from properly insulating your attic. You probably already know that hot air rises, and cooler air remains in the lower levels of your home. With insulation, proper circulation is vital. There must be an air barrier to prevent warm air from escaping through the roof during colder winter months.

Fiberglass or cellulose insulation on the floor of your attic will hinder airflow, which means the attic will be much warmer than your house. For instance, if you maintain a temperature of 70 degrees inside your home and the temperature outdoors is 85 degrees, you can expect it to feel like 100 degrees in the attic. This is the perfect storm for the build up of condensation and moisture issues such as mold and mildew, not only in your insulation but in the ceiling, trusses and other components that comprise the structure of your home.

Good circulation throughout your house is critical to comfort and avoiding problems such as mold or mildew. Without sufficient circulation of the air, cold air returns must work harder to suck air in your home, which results in the vents that blow hot air to warm your home during winter months to work harder to force hot air. Ultimately, leaving the old insulation in your attic will impact the circulation or air flow not only in the attic, but throughout your home.

In the end, you want your Austin area home to be as comfortable as possible while enjoying energy efficiency. At HabiShield, our specialty is spray foam insulation for homeowners in central Texas who desire a home that’s comfortable in any season, without high utility costs. To learn more about the advantages of spray foam insulation, give us a call today!