Most types of insulation are made to last decades under ideal circumstances. But as we all know, the climate in Northeast Pennsylvania is not always ideal.
One by-product of the winter seasons we don’t often think about is the increased activity of rodents in attics and basements.
While certainly annoying on their own, rodents can also be extremely detrimental to your insulation, causing permanent damage and requiring expensive replacement.
As if there was another reason to get rid of rodents in your home in Northeast Pennsylvania, damaged insulation may be one of the most important.
How Pests Ruin Insulation
While insulation does not directly attract pests to your home, it makes a good snack for those in your basement or attic.
For rodents like mice and rats, fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be a hardy nesting material or something to grind their teeth on.
Rodents are not the only pests that infest insulation, either. Raccoons, bats, carpenter ants, stink bugs, and the rare flying squirrel often use insulation to nest and burrow through once they ply their way through a broken window or gap in your exterior.
Here are a few of the ways that pests can damage insulation.
1. Urine & Droppings that Contaminate Insulation
Pests like bats, mice, and rats can present severe health risks to homeowners by spreading disease and contaminating food and other materials via urine and droppings.
When this dirty waste comes into contact with insulation, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and foul odors that spread through your HVAC system. This can lower indoor air quality and potentially cause respiratory issues.
Rodents and bats are notorious for leaving behind large amounts of waste, which can carry harmful pathogens such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and histoplasmosis. Even small infestations can lead to insulation that is beyond salvageable and requires full replacement.
2. Nesting & Tunneling
Fiberglass and cellulose insulation provide a cozy nesting material for pests. Often, pests like mice, squirrels, and raccoons will burrow through this insulation and create tunnels, which can severely compromise the integrity of your insulation.
Over time, the damage caused by nesting and tunneling can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency, increasing heating and cooling costs. If left unchecked, utility bills will rise without you realizing that poor insulation is the culprit.
3. Chewing & Direct Damage
Pests such as mice, rats, and squirrels constantly need to gnaw to prevent their teeth from outgrowing their jaw.
This can lead to rampant damage to your insulation, no matter what kind you have in your home. In addition to insulation, these creatures like to chew on wires that run parallel to it, creating a dangerous fire hazard.
4. Moisture & Mold Growth
Damaged insulation doesn’t just lose effectiveness—it can also allow moisture to seep in, leading to mold and mildew growth. Pests often create openings in walls and attics, making it easier for water to seep through these gaps.
Once insulation becomes damp, it loses its insulating properties and becomes a breeding ground for mold spores.
Mold-contaminated insulation poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. Also, mold infestations can spread beyond the insulation, affecting your home’s walls, ceilings, and other structural components, requiring expensive remediation.
Signs of Pest-Damaged Insulation
Much like pests, the signs of pest-damaged insulation can be subtle. However, it’s essential to recognize the signs of pest damage early so you can take action before the problem escalates. Some common indicators include:
- Strange noises in the attic or walls (scratching, scurrying, or squeaking)
- A strong, persistent odor of urine or droppings
- Visible droppings in attic spaces or near insulation
- Drafts or cold spots in your home indicating compromised insulation
- Increased energy bills with no clear explanation
- Sightings of pests entering or exiting your home
If you notice any of these warning signs, you should have your insulation thoroughly inspected to determine the extent of the damage.
Inspecting Your Insulation & When It Should Be Replaced
The first step toward salvaging or even patching your insulation is to get an inspection. A qualified contractor can look for signs of damaged or compromised insulation and determine the best course of action.
At NEPA EnergySmart, we typically look for the following signs when determining if replacement is necessary or recommended.
- Insulation that appears flattened, torn, or disturbed
- Foul odors coming from attic or crawl spaces resulting from the insulation
- Visible mold growth or dampness in insulation
- Cold drafts or temperature fluctuations in your home
Why You Should Replace Damaged Insulation
Damaged insulation should be replaced as soon as possible. Luckily, this doesn’t require replacing all the insulation in your home, but only the damaged sections. With that in mind, it’s important to maintain uniformity when it comes to R-value. It may be helpful to reinforce older insulation if you add new insulation for optimal performance.
Here are just a few additional reasons why replacing compromised insulation is crucial:
- Energy Efficiency: Proper insulation ensures your home retains heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer. Damaged insulation forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy bills.
- Health & Safety: Contaminated insulation can harbor bacteria, mold spores, and allergens, negatively impacting your family’s health.
- Structural Protection: Moisture-retaining insulation can lead to mold growth that spreads to wood framing, ceilings, and drywall, weakening the structure of your home.
- Pest Prevention: Removing and replacing old, infested insulation with new, properly installed materials can help prevent future infestations.
Choosing the Right Replacement Insulation
If your insulation needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to materials that are more resistant to pests and moisture. Spray foam insulation offers the highest R-value, air seals your home to prevent unwanted pests, and is naturally resistant to pests.
Many brands of cellulose come with borate, a chemical additive that helps prevent and deter pests.
When adding new insulation, be sure to work with a qualified insulation contractor that can instruct you on the best plan to insulate and deter pests simultaneously for longer-lasting durability.
FAQs
How often should insulation be inspected for pest damage?
It’s recommended to inspect your insulation at least once a year, especially in areas prone to pest infestations, such as basements and attics. Regular inspections can help catch problems early before they lead to significant damage.
Can damaged insulation be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
There’s really no way to repair damaged insulation and the affected parts usually need to be replaced if they are compromising health or performance.
What’s the best insulation to prevent pest infestations?
Spray foam insulation is highly effective at sealing entry points, while blown-in cellulose is treated with pest-resistant chemicals. A professional can help determine the best option for your home.
