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How to Tell if You Need to Replace Your Basement Insulation in St. Louis
August 20, 2022 at 7:00 AM
How to Tell if You Need to Replace Your Basement Insulation in St. Louis

When was the last time you replaced the insulation in your basement? Maybe you purchased a new house and aren’t sure if your basement insulation in St. Louis is past its serviceable life and needs to be replaced. If you’re on the fence about whether to stick with it or replace it, it’s worth calling St. Louis Insulation to inspect or replace your basement insulation.

Below, we’ll explain some tell-tale signs that might indicate your basement insulation needs replacing.

Three signs that your insulation needs replacing

Here are three signs that your basement insulation in St. Louis needs replacing.

1. Unpleasant odors

Does the area in and around your basement smell unpleasant or moldy? Maybe the source isn’t coming from inhabitable areas. Unfortunately, certain types of insulation are not waterproof. If your roof experiences a leak or the ground around your home is moist from melted snow, the moisture could compromise your basement and crawl space insulation. Wet insulation can grow mold, creating unpleasant odors and contaminating the air you and your family breathe.

2. Water damage

If your basement floor is wet or has brown or dark-colored splotches, it may be a sign that there’s a leak. This can lead to mold growing in your insulation and around your basement, making it very harmful for your family.

If your insulation is ruined, it can indirectly lead to water damage. This is because if a water pipe isn’t adequately insulated and freezes, it could burst, wreaking havoc on your home and finances. To prevent a potential disaster, your home must be insulated in all areas that it should be.

3. Allery symptoms

If anyone in your household is experiencing allergy symptoms even when they are indoors, it may be your insulation causing problems. This is because growing mold can impact your health and worsen allergy symptoms. In addition, certain types of insulation collect dust, affecting your home's air quality.

For those with terrible allergies, it may be a good idea to upgrade your insulation and air-seal your home with spray foam insulation. This would prevent outside air from entering while also preventing air from leaking out of your home.

How can I tell if my basement is insulated or not?

There are numerous ways to tell if your basement is insulated or not. Fluctuating temperatures and high energy bills can be a clear sign that your basement does not have insulation.

You can also do a touch test on your walls, floors, and ceilings. If your home’s interior feels dry and warm, you probably have enough insulation. However, if your drywall and paneling feel damp or cold, there is insufficient insulation.

Additionally, when you touch an exterior wall of your home, it should feel cold because the insulation keeps the warm air inside.

Schedule a call with St. Louis Insulation for professional services to insulate basement walls, attics, and more.

We built our reputation on results, providing Missouri homeowners with honest guidance and advice while delivering unparalleled quality in insulation installation and energy efficiency. Improperly installed insulation can cost you when it comes to heating and cooling your home. We do more than replace and install insulation; we’re home analysts with a fine-tuned approach to finding ways to improve the insulation of older St. Louis homes.

Get a free quote and talk with our expert team when you schedule a call for basement insulation.