Does Commercial Attic Insulation Need to Be Replaced?

Running and operating a business can be a lot of work, especially if you are an owner or manager. The daily tasks of managing a staff, solving problems, and navigating day-to-day activities are enough to keep you busy, not to mention all the maintenance needs you may have!

Thankfully, you most likely have a team that comes out to service your equipment and keep your building in good condition. However, it is your job to notice when something is awry and needs to be repaired or replaced.

While you are busy looking around your property during your routine inspections, don’t forget about your insulation, especially in your attic! If you haven’t thought about your insulation in years (or decades), you might be wondering, “Does commercial attic insulation need to be replaced?” The answer is yes!

Attic Insulation in commercial spaces ages just like residential insulation, so a removal and replacement is eventually needed.

Let’s look into the details of commercial insulation replacement below.

How Long Does Insulation Last?

It is important to remember that insulation is one of the most durable and reliable parts of your commercial property. With the right attention and under the right conditions, you can expect your insulation to last 25 years or more.

If you recently built your property or upgraded your space, you won’t need to worry about an insulation replacement for a while unless it suffers some type of damage.

If you have been in your building for 10 years or more and have never thought to check your insulation, it’s a good idea to check it out to see if it needs some attention.

Common Reasons For Damaged Attic Insulation

In the majority of cases, insulation doesn’t break down or wear away prematurely on its own. There is usually some type of external factor that is causing your insulation to become damaged.

Old Age

Of course, the first reason for damaged insulation is simply its age. As fiberglass and cellulose insulation age, they can settle and start to break down. Thermal imaging equipment can help identify parts of your walls or floors that aren’t as efficient as they used to be.

Moisture or Water Leaks

Most insulation has some type of water resistance, but it is not waterproof. Occasional drops of water or a single day of high humidity isn’t going to ruin your insulation. However, a dripping pipe that goes unnoticed above your insulation or a leaky roof that isn’t discovered can cause serious problems for your insulation.

Over time, the insulation material will begin to soak up the moisture, making it really hard to dry out completely on your own. Wet insulation cannot operate the way it needs to, so it will be less efficient at energy transfer.

Your insulation also becomes more at risk of suffering from a mold infestation. Lingering moisture is a breeding ground for mold, especially in unchecked areas like your attic. Mold spores can settle into your insulation material and will grow into a colony quickly.

Pest Infestations

If you run a business, you know all about pests! Keeping out animals and insects can often feel like a full-time job. Pesky squirrels, persistent mice, and bees can not only be frustrating to deal with, but their presence can pose a danger to your staff and customers.

When a rodent accesses your attic, it will quickly realize just how comfy and cozy your attic space really is. They will tear apart your insulation to make nests and bedding, and they will walk all over it on a daily basis.

Even animals that won’t use your insulation as a bed can damage it. Pests like bats will leave behind hair, droppings, and urine without a care in the world. This is not only unsanitary, but it also weighs heavily on your insulation and prevents it from working the way it should.

Is Damaged Insulation Bad?

If your insulation has been compromised in some way, it is important that you replace it as quickly as possible. Damaged insulation can become a strain on your entire building.

If your insulation is bogged down by squirrel droppings or moisture, it can’t help control the airflow in your attic. This process will become disrupted, and your working/operating areas will suffer as a result. Uneven temperatures in different parts of your building, drafts, and an unnecessarily high energy billare all possibilities.

Unfortunately, all of these problems will continue and even get worse until you address the problem head-on. Damaged insulation can even start to impact the air quality in your building. That seems like a large price to pay just for ignoring your compromised insulation!

Steps For A Commercial Attic Insulation Replacement

If an insulation removal and replacement is in your future, knowing what to expect can help set your mind at ease. After all, it can be tricky to coordinate construction on your property without disturbing your daily operations. The good news is that insulation upgrades can happen rather quickly, allowing for minimal or even no disruption.

To start, your building will be evaluated to determine the direct cause of the insulation damage and the scale of the project. A professional licensed insulation contractor will explain your different insulation material options, and you will decide what insulation type is right for you.

The old insulation will then be removed and hauled away! Hiring a professional team for this process ensures the rest of your building remains safe and clean during this sometimes messy process.

Once the old insulation is gone, your attic is inspected again to uncover any hidden issues like small water leaks or gaps where a future pest infestation could sneak through. After any problems are fixed, your new insulation material is installed in your walls, floors, and ceilings.

Blown-in fiberglass, cellulose or batt insulation are common choices for attic spaces because of their durability and reliability throughout the seasons. Once this process is finished, you will enjoy better air quality, reduced energy bills, and a more comfortable environment for everyone under your roof.

Is it time to replace the attic insulation in your commercial space? Contact the team at Master Attic today at (800) 285-4009 to schedule your free estimate.