Replacing your insulation

IF YOU WANT AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME, YOUR INSULATION NEEDS TO BE IN TIP-TOP SHAPE. HERE ARE THE TELLTALE SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE YOURS...

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When you're trying to save energy, insulating your home is key. However, typical home insulation doesn't last forever. In fact, depending on the type, it can last for anything from 15 to 100 years, so you should keep an eye out for the signs you need to replace yours. 'Most modern homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, but if you live in an older building, you might find that your insulation isn't as efficient as it could be,' says Stuart Middleton, consumer energy expert at So Energy.

This is usually because different insulation materials have been used throughout the years. Fibreglass has the potential to last 80 to 100 years, but may start to degrade after 15 to 25 years. Cavity wall insulation can last between 20 and 100 years. Insulation made from extruded polystyrene (or XPS) should last between 20 and 30 years, but it can be impacted by external factors. And aluminium foil-backed insulation lasts around 50 years if it's not exposed to moisture or damaged.

If you're not sure if your insulation needs replacing, short of heading into your loft or opening up walls, there are easier ways of spotting that it may have given up the ghost.

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