As an insulation contractor with over 30 years of experience in Chicagoland, ARC Insulation understands the critical importance of proper insulation in maintaining a healthy home. The local climate, characterized by humid summers and frigid winters, demands high-quality solutions to ensure year-round efficiency and comfort.
Unfortunately, many local homes are older and suffer from ineffective insulation, mold growth, and a slew of other issues. In these cases insulation removal is required before it can be replaced with high-quality materials. But, what exactly does that cost?
In this guide, we’ll go into the several factors that go into determining if your insulation needs to be replaced, and what you can expect to pay for it.
Signs Your Insulation Needs to be Replaced
- High Energy Bills
If your heating and cooling costs are notably more expensive during peak seasons, it’s likely that your home is not properly protected from the elements.
- Comfort Issues
It’s common for homes with ineffective insulation to be prone to indoor drafty and uneven temperatures, especially in vulnerable areas like attics and basements.
- Recurring Moisture
Water stains, discoloration, and mold issues can indicate that your insulation has been compromised, impacting its effectiveness and resulting in indoor air quality problems.
- Old Insulation
Insulation types can vary in life expectancy, but generally last between 15-20 years. Older homes often need upgrades to meet current building codes and even insulation in homes built in the early 2000’s may need replacement.
- Pest Infestation
If you’ve had pests in your home, either recently or in the past, it’s likely that they have gotten into your insulation. Many common, lower-performance types of insulation, like fiberglass, are made from materials that mice, rodents, and insects often use for nesting. This contaminates the insulation and it needs to be removed.
What Does Insulation Removal & Replacement Cost?
On average, insulation removal can range from $1-2 per square foot. Insulation replacement can cost up to $4 per square foot, depending on the type of insulation in the home. However, there are several factors that go into determining the exact price. ARC Insulation offers free quotes for our personalized services and guidance on incentive programs that can offer savings for your home upgrades.
Home Size & Easy of Access
The bigger your home, the more insulation there may be to remove and replace, which affects cost. If our technicians have limited access to spaces where insulation needs removal or installation, like a hard-to-reach attic, the project can also be more expensive and take longer to complete.
Type of Insulation
Certain types of insulation are easier to remove than others, which has an impact on cost. For example, in most cases cellulose insulation can be removed with a vacuum, but spray foam insulation removal requires more manual labor and tools.
Different types of insulation also vary in installation cost. However ARC Insulation uses high-quality materials for all of our insulation services. You can rest assured that your insulation replacement will meet high standards, from attic to basement.
Hazardous Materials & Additional Services
If you live in an older home that has insulation containing asbestos or has been contaminated by pests or mold, removal will require special handling and disposal, thus cost more. Any additional services that may be needed prior to insulation replacement can also increase cost, such as:
- Mold remediation
- Duct sealing
- Air sealing
Insulation Services, Backed by Building Science
At ARC Insulation, we start every project with an in-home assessment so that our team can get to know your specific insulation needs. We’ll thoroughly inspect your home’s current insulation and identify the root cause of any issues you’re experiencing. We’ll then share our findings with you and propose a detailed, step-by-step plan of action to solve them. Your home is our priority, which is why all of our work is backed by a 2-year warranty. Are you ready to see how ARC Insulation can help your home?
