How to Detect and Repair Insulation Damage

Many people underestimate how much quality insulation can transform the feel of a space. Warmer temperatures and smaller energy bills are something we can all get behind. On the other hand, if building temperatures start to drop and issues like damp begin to appear, it can cause a lot of worry. 

Insulation is kept out of sight, which can make diagnosing any potential issues tricky. With a little bit of know-how, insulation assessments can be done quickly, allowing you to get back to a warm property as soon as possible.

Common Signs of Insulation Damage

The primary purpose of insulation is to restrict the flow of heat, which not only helps keep our homes warm in the winter but also cold during the summer. The better the insulation, the less need to use heating or cooling systems, such as radiators or air conditioners, to keep temperatures comfortable.

A change in how a property reacts to heat changes – such as certain rooms suddenly getting much colder than previous winters – may indicate that something has happened to the insulation. However, it’s not the only answer and could be caused by other things, such as works on the property changing the airflow.

Here are the most common signs that you might have an insulation issue:

• Cold Spots: Are certain locations on walls much colder than others?
• Damp: Depending on its originating point, damp could be passing through insulation and impact its performance.

Note that these issues aren’t a sure-fire sign that there’s an insulation issue but they might be cause for concern if you suspect something has happened.

How to Detect Insulation Damage in Different Locations

Insulation can be hard to accurately assess in many areas of a property. However, there are some basic things you can try before taking more extensive steps to get something professionally checked.

Checking Wall Insulation

If checking the insulation on an internal or partition wall, one option is to unscrew any nearby sockets – these can sometimes provide a space through which you can see the insulation and assess any issues. If the problem area isn’t near a socket, you may need to drill a small hole to check.

Checking the insulation in a cavity wall can be more tricky as it’s usually been pumped through small holes to fill the gap between masonry. The main issue with cavity wall insulation is when damp has impacted its effectiveness, so looking for those signs is usually the best bet before speaking with a professional.

Checking Roof Insulation

Checking insulation in your roof is often simpler. Unless it’s been converted into a living space (in which case it’s considered in much the same way as walls and floors), the insulation will usually be exposed and easy to access.

You should be able to tell if there are signs of fraying or loose insulation which could be impacting performance. Likewise, things like dust or pests could be causing issues.

Damp can be a big issue with roof insulation. If you think this is an issue in your property but can’t tell through sight or touch, professionals can use thermal imagery to provide a more accurate assessment.

Checking Floor Insulation

Checking underfloor insulation will often involve removing floorboards or panels, depending on your specific setup, so you’ll want to make sure that this is the issue before uprooting the floor.

Once the flooring is removed, checking the state of your floor insulation is similar to checking in the roof. Ensure the insulation is complete without gaps and is in good condition, free from damp, mould, excess compression or anything else that could be affecting performance.

When to Repair Insulation and When to Replace

Most types of insulation are designed to last for decades, if not longer. However, certain types of damage can impact insulation’s ability to stop heat transfer, meaning it’ll need to be removed and replaced to deliver optimum performance.

Generally, the following insulation issues are likely to require replacing the insulation for them to be rectified:

• Mould – if damp has turned to mould, this is likely going to impact the insulation performance long-term.
• Vermin – If there’s a chance animals have made homes in the insulation system, you may need to get the lot replaced to avoid recurrence.
• Settled Insulation – a particular issue with loose-fill insulation that can cause it to lose effectiveness.

The following issues may also require replacing insulation but, depending on their severity and the material, may also be repaired:

• Damp – Certain types of insulation, particularly those used in cavity walls, can be restored if the damp’s source is fixed and the insulation is given time to try.
• Holes & Gaps – Any uncovered or damaged spots can usually be filled with insulation without having to replace other sections.
• Tears – Insulation tape can be used to repair areas where insulation has been torn without any significant loss in performance.

Of course, all insulation work needs to be carried out by a trained professional to avoid any future issues like this occurring throughout the property. However, we hope this guide helps point out some of the things to look out for to help speed up the process for all involved.