We often find that removing old material is the best way to get the results you want. Leaving old, dusty fiberglass or cellulose in your walls can block the new spray foam from sealing properly against the studs. Starting with a clean space ensures your home gets the full benefit of modern airtight technology.
Starting from scratch ensures your home gets the full benefit of modern insulation. We find that old fiberglass often hides problems that only a full removal can fix before we start our work.
We suggest taking photos of the empty wall cavities before we spray the new foam. This gives you a clear record of your electrical and plumbing lines for any future home repairs.
Cascadia Spray Foam Insulation of Seattle recently worked on a 1940s home, removing soggy rockwool. This allowed us to fix a hidden roof leak before installing closed-cell foam, preventing future wood rot.
Leaving old insulation in place is sometimes an option, but it usually results in lower home efficiency. We see many homeowners try to save money by layering materials, only to find their energy bills stay higher than expected.
The weight of the new foam can compress the old fiberglass, reducing its ability to retain heat effectively. If the old material is dirty or wet, the latest spray foam will not stick well, and you lose the airtight barrier that makes spray foam so effective.
Data from Energy.gov shows that even small gaps in insulation lead to big heat losses in the winter. We recommend a full clear-out to ensure those gaps are gone, and your home stays comfortable.
| Feature | Removing Old Insulation | Layering Over Old Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| Air Seal Quality | Excellent and permanent | Poor and inconsistent |
| Mold Risk | Very low | Higher risk of trapped dampness |
| Energy Savings | Maximum potential | Limited improvement |
| Space Used | Efficient use of cavity | Bulky and crowded |
We use specialized tools to pull old material out without making a mess in your living area. Our team sets up plastic barriers and uses high-powered vacuums to keep your indoor air clean during the whole job.
If you have attic insulation or crawl space walls, we can often access them without touching your drywall. For finished walls, we sometimes make small holes or work during a full renovation to keep things simple and fast.
Professional removal also ensures that the right people handle any old, dusty materials. This keeps your family safe and ensures your home meets the local energy performance building codes of Seattle, WA.
Choosing to remove old insulation sets your project up for long-term success. A clean wall is the only way to guarantee the performance you expect from spray foam in our Pacific Northwest climate. Clearing the space allows us to do our best work so you can enjoy a quieter, warmer, and more efficient home for decades.
Our team provides expert removal and installation services to help your home stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We focus on quality work that pays for itself through lower energy costs and better comfort. We are ready to help you plan your next home upgrade with the best materials available.
Reach out to us at (425) 386-3500 or email [email protected] to start your project.
Yes, you should replace it if it is over 20 years old or shows signs of mold. New products offer much better thermal protection and will lower your monthly utility costs.
Yes, we can often replace it without removing drywall. We can blow in material or use injection spray foam through small holes that are easy to patch and paint.
Yes, old material can settle or get wet, which makes it useless for stopping heat flow. Removing it allows us to fill the cavity completely with a fresh, high-performing product.
Most fiberglass lasts 15 to 20 years before it starts to sag or lose its shape. Spray foam is much more durable and can last 80 years or more without needing to be replaced.
Check for cold spots on your walls during winter or look at your energy bills for unexpected spikes. If you see signs of mice or dampness near the baseboards, it is time for a change.
