Should I remove old attic insulation before adding new?

• <div><p>Ideally, you can add new insulation to your existing insulation. However, some circumstances require you to remove old insulation before adding any new insulation: </p><ul><li><p>If the insulation is over 15 years old</p></li><li><p>If the insulation is wet or moldy</p></li><li><p>If it is <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-vermiculite-insulation.htm">vermiculite insulation</a></p></li><li><p>If you see signs of pest infestation</p></li></ul><p>Removing old insulation is best left to a pro who can safely dispose of potential moldy or asbestos-ridden insulation.</p></div>

What is the downside of radiant barriers?

• <div><p>The primary downside of radiant barriers is their limited effectiveness in cold climates. They are designed to reflect radiant heat, making them less beneficial in cooler conditions where heat retention is more important. </p><p>Radiant barriers require proper installation to maximize effectiveness. Incorrect placement can lead to minimal benefits. They also do not provide insulation, meaning they should be used in conjunction with traditional insulation for optimal energy efficiency. </p></div>

Top 10 Best Doorbell installation pros in Berkeley, CA

Q: Do you have to staple insulation?

• <div><p>You don&rsquo;t need to staple insulation, as your drywall and studs will hold it into place. But if you already have a staple gun and staples lying around, it can help keep the product in place and avoid any shifting. But, most experts agree it&rsquo;s an unnecessary step.</p><p>If you&rsquo;re adding a vapor barrier, you will need to staple that in place.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of wool insulation?

• <div><p>Mineral wool has an excellent life expectancy of up to 50 years, provided it's kept dry and free of pests. Compared to fiberglass, with a life span of 20 to 30 years, mineral wool stacks up well for long-term cost savings. Sheep wool maintains a similar life span to fiberglass, while estimates for hemp wool insulation life expectancies are all over the board, ranging anywhere from 20 to 100 years. </p></div>

Q: Is it OK to put plywood over insulation in an attic?

• <div><p>Installing sheets of plywood over <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/attic-insulation-guide.htm">attic insulation</a> is a popular choice, especially in storage spaces. That said, insulation works by trapping hot air&mdash;so it needs extra space to expand and be effective, or you might reduce the energy efficiency of your home. </p><p>It&rsquo;s important that you never compress the insulation by installing flooring directly on top of it. In many houses, you&rsquo;ll need to install a subfloor before putting plywood over insulation in your attic.</p></div>

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Last update on January 01, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Mike was very professional. He responded to questions in a timely manner, was on time, and did a great job installing our security door.
MGM'S Cabinet Installation Service
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Reviewed in July 2025
Eagle installed a smart garage door opener at our place, and it?s been amazing. I can control it from my phone and never worry about leaving the door open again. The install was clean and quick. Couldn?t ask for better.
Eagle Automatic Gate & Door
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Reviewed in January 2024
Perfect! I had them replace two electrical panels and install exit signs and some lighting at our church. I had bids from 3 electrical companies and Eric was by far the best! Easy to schedule. Fun guys too!
A&E Maintenance/Repair
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Reviewed in December 2023
They made a small mistake on the installation day by not having the correct window for one window. Otherwise, quick, prompt, professional and clean.
Bailey Windows & Doors, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2023
Mike Williams Electric did a very quick & professional installation of an EV charger in my garage! Mike communicated clearly throughout the job, and gave me good advice on the choice of hardware. Once we agreed to the work, he got us scheduled us within a few days. He also took care of the...
Mike Williams Electric
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Reviewed in February 2023
I was looking for a home security install and Wall Street Networks was able to provide a quick quote and once accepted, completed the project within a few days. The guys were very professional and made what I thought would be complex, a seamless install.
Wall Street Networks
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Reviewed in December 2022
Anthony was very professional and meticulous with his work. He installed several GFI's in the home, replaced a doorbell, corrected a timer on Carriage Lights, fixed the lighted address unit and secured a 220 voltage line into a water proof box. I couldn't be happier with his work. I would...
Electrical Pro
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Reviewed in November 2022
Tony was easy to talk to and did understand my requests. He worked very hard to find the exactly correct materials and he and his crew did the installation flawlessly. I would hire him again without hesitation.
Tony Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2022
We hired them to replace windows and exterior doors. From beginning to end they were pleasant, helpful, and reliable. When we needed to delay installation because of intervening work on the foundation, they were gracious and accommodating. When the work was done they showed up on time and were...
Custom Exteriors, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2018
They did several projects for me in one day--repaired smoke alarm, repaired doorbell, installed ceiling light fixture. They were friendly and efficient. I'm old and prices always seem too high for me, but I believe they gave me a good deal and quality workmanship.
Fatima Electric, Inc.
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Doorbell Installation questions, answered by experts

Ideally, you can add new insulation to your existing insulation. However, some circumstances require you to remove old insulation before adding any new insulation:

If the insulation is over 15 years old
If the insulation is wet or moldy
If it is vermiculite insulation
If you see signs of pest infestation

Removing old insulation is best left to a pro who can safely dispose of potential moldy or asbestos-ridden insulation.

You don’t need to staple insulation, as your drywall and studs will hold it into place. But if you already have a staple gun and staples lying around, it can help keep the product in place and avoid any shifting. But, most experts agree it’s an unnecessary step.

If you’re adding a vapor barrier, you will need to staple that in place.

Mineral wool has an excellent life expectancy of up to 50 years, provided it's kept dry and free of pests. Compared to fiberglass, with a life span of 20 to 30 years, mineral wool stacks up well for long-term cost savings. Sheep wool maintains a similar life span to fiberglass, while estimates for hemp wool insulation life expectancies are all over the board, ranging anywhere from 20 to 100 years.

Installing sheets of plywood over attic insulation is a popular choice, especially in storage spaces. That said, insulation works by trapping hot air—so it needs extra space to expand and be effective, or you might reduce the energy efficiency of your home.

It’s important that you never compress the insulation by installing flooring directly on top of it. In many houses, you’ll need to install a subfloor before putting plywood over insulation in your attic.

The primary downside of radiant barriers is their limited effectiveness in cold climates. They are designed to reflect radiant heat, making them less beneficial in cooler conditions where heat retention is more important.

Radiant barriers require proper installation to maximize effectiveness. Incorrect placement can lead to minimal benefits. They also do not provide insulation, meaning they should be used in conjunction with traditional insulation for optimal energy efficiency.

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