Do you own your own home? Are you wondering how to tell whether or not you should replace the insulation in your walls or in the attic? Having efficient insulation is an important part of helping to keep your energy bills low. Here are some reasons to consider replacing your insulation:

Insect infestation: If you've had your home fumigated for termites or other insect pests, it's time to check on your home's insulation. Some insects may tunnel through the insulation, turning it into a nesting area. Other pests, such as termites and cockroaches, may make a meal out of your insulation's paper backing.

Either of these things can damage the integrity of your insulation, causing it to lose its insulating properties. If you've had to exterminate any type of pest in your home, have a professional assess your insulation in order to determine whether or not if it needs to be replaced.

Old age: It can be relatively simple to determine when your insulation is too old and needs to be replaced. If you have exposed insulation in your attic area, use a gloved hand to pick up or simply squeeze some of the insulation. Good insulation will be naturally springy and will quickly resume its original shape. If it crumbles instead or takes several seconds to return to its original shape, then it's starting to get old and should be replaced soon.

Even if it seems to be in good condition, you may still want to consider replacing it if it's more than a few years old. Companies are constantly innovating and refining their manufacturing techniques, meaning that insulation available today is going to work better than most insulation from even just a few years ago.

Water damage: A leaky roof or burst pipe is a good reason to have your insulation inspected and potentially replaced. Unless dried quickly, your insulation can start to become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold that grows in your home can have an adverse effect on you and your family, causing symptoms like asthma and skin rashes.

Even if the mold doesn't cause any adverse effects to you and your family, the mold will still be eating away at your insulation. Over a period of time, the mold may cause it to start to crumble and start to lose their thermal insulating properties. If you suspect that you may have mold growing in your walls or attic, it's a good idea to have your insulation inspected and replaced as soon as possible.

To learn more, contact a company like Edmonton insulation for help and information.