Insulation Troubleshooting: 8 Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Home insulation is your shield against the outside elements, providing comfort and efficiency to your home. However, like any system, insulation can face issues that compromises its efficiency and effectiveness. This month, we’re exploring some of the most common problems with insulation, and providing you with the solutions to fix them. Including drafts, moisture, or inadequate insulation, we know that understanding these issues and how to fix them is crucial to maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Plus, keep reading to discover where to get insulation in Melbourne when you need it.

1: Draughts and Air Leaks

Problem: Unwanted draughts are a common issue, and they can be caused by gaps or cracks in walls, or gaps around windows or doors.

Solution: First, inspect windows, doors, and any other potential entry points for draughts. Next, seal these gaps with weatherstripping, or use caulk or a foam sealant to seal up any larger openings or cracks.

2: Inadequate Insulation

Problem: Inadequate insulation can cause uneven or unstable temperatures in one part, or parts of your home.

Solution: Check the insulation levels in your roof, walls, and even floors. If you find them lacking, this could be the reason for the uneven temperatures around your house, and you should consider adding more insulation. Remember to consult a insulation professional when it comes to selecting the right insulation for your application, and for installation purposes. This will help to ensure that the insulation is of the correct thickness, and meets the recommended R-values for your region and climate.

3: Moisture Problems

Problem: Insulation can be damaged by moisture, and this can also lead to mould growth and reduced effectiveness.

Solution: It is essential to find and fix the source of the moisture first, otherwise the problem will just keep recurring. This could be a leaky roof, a plumbing issue, or else inadequate ventilation. After this is rectified, you can replace the damaged insulation.

4: Rodent Infestation

Problem: Insulation can actually be an ideal nesting place for rodents, and this can cause significant damage, as well as hazards to health and safety.

Solution: First, seal any potential rodent entry points in order to prevent rodents from having access to the insulation. Then, you can remove any contaminated insulation, and dispose of it properly and responsibly. After the infestation is appropriately eliminated, you can replace the insulation, and in the long-term, remember to regularly inspect your home and insulation for signs of pest activity. Further, it might surprise you to know that you can actually help to prevent such a problem occurring through the type of insulation that you select. Rodents are less likely to next in an itchy insulation material such as glasswool, as opposed to materials like polyester or polystyrene.

5: Aging and Settling

Problem: Over time, insulation can settle which leads to decreased effectiveness.

Solution: Inspect insulation at regular intervals in order to address areas where settling has occurred. You can replace aged and settled insulation with new, high-performance insulation materials which will, in turn, rejuvenate your home’s thermal efficiency. In addition, an insulation product like glasswool boasts a long warranty because this type of material generally isn’t vulnerable to many problems or issues. The exception to this is if glasswool is exposed to moisture, but otherwise it is a great choice to give you peace of mind.

6: Incorrect Type of Insulation

Problem: If the wrong type of insulation is used for the wrong application or area, this can lead to performance issues in the home.

Solution: Fixing this problem starts with understanding the recommended types of insulation for different parts of the home, as well as for the climate of your region. This is where insulation guidelines come in, as well as the professional expertise of insulation experts. They can guide you in replacing the old insulation with the correct type of material for the area.

7: Compression and Compaction

Problem: When compression and compaction occur, this reduces the capacity of the insulation to perform effectively.

Solution: When installing insulation in the first place, you should avoid overstuffing it into confined spaces, as this compresses the material. You should ensure that you know how to properly install insulation, or consult installation professionals to safeguard against compression. If you find that it has occurred, then you should replace the affected insulation.

8: DIY Installation Techniques

Problem: When insulation is not installed correctly, this compromises its effectiveness, and ability to perform its function.

Solution: You must follow insulation installation guidelines meticulously if you are undertaking the installation yourself. This involves paying proper attention to sealing, securing the batts without compression or compaction, and maintaining the recommended thickness. If you are ever unsure, consult an insulation professional. If you find there has been a problem or mistake with the installation of your insulation, you should rectify this immediately.

Do You Need Insulation in Melbourne?

Then you don’t have to look any further than Insulation Essentials. We are proud to bring you the very best in insulation knowledge, expertise, and installation. Backed by over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, we are ready to help you with all your insulation needs, from insulation supply, right through to professional installation. If you need assistance with insulation, we would be happy to help you!

When it comes to insulation in Melbourne, we are the experts! Get in touch with us at 03 8339 7111 or fill out our online contact form. We will be glad to help with your enquiry.