When to Upgrade My Insulation

If your home is feeling too hot in summer or cold in winter — even with the air conditioning running — your insulation might be underperforming. Over time, insulation materials break down, settle, or become less effective. But how do you know when to upgrade your insulation?

In this guide, we’ll cover the signs your insulation needs replacing, how long insulation typically lasts, and what modern solutions are available — including top-performing Earthwool® insulation options from Perth Insulation Centre.

How Long Does Insulation Last?

Most insulation products are designed to last 15 to 30 years, depending on the material and environmental conditions. However, exposure to moisture, pests, or physical damage can significantly shorten this lifespan.

Older homes in Perth may still contain insulation that is outdated, deteriorated, or installed to now-obsolete energy efficiency standards.

Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Insulation

• Uneven temperatures: Hot or cold spots throughout your home, especially between floors or rooms.
• High energy bills: Your heating and cooling system is working overtime to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Drafts or cold floors: Particularly in winter — underfloor insulation may be lacking or ineffective.
• Moisture or condensation: Indicates compromised insulation or poor air sealing.
• Visible damage: Insulation that has compressed, shifted, or been affected by pests or water damage.
• Noisy interiors: Outdated insulation may offer poor soundproofing compared to modern products like Earthwool R2.7 HD.

What Areas Should You Check First?

When planning an insulation upgrade, start with the areas that have the greatest impact on energy efficiency:

• Roof/Ceiling Insulation: Heat rises, and up to 35% of energy loss occurs through the ceiling. Roof insulation should be your first priority.
• Wall Insulation: Especially important for timber-frame homes. Check behind plasterboard for existing insulation batts.
• Underfloor Insulation: Perth homes with raised floors often lack sufficient underfloor insulation, leading to heat loss and drafts.

What Should You Upgrade To?

Modern insulation products offer superior R-values, thermal performance, and durability. At Perth Insulation Centre, we recommend:

• Earthwool R7.0 Thermal Ceiling Batts – Ideal for ceilings and roof spaces in Perth’s climate zones.
• Earthwool R2.7 HD Wall Batts – Perfect for retrofitting into wall cavities.
• Earthwool R2.5 Floorshield – Provides thermal and acoustic benefits for timber floors.

How to Upgrade Your Insulation

Upgrading insulation doesn’t always mean removing all old materials. In some cases, new batts can be laid over existing insulation (especially if it's in good condition but underperforming in R-value).

However, if your insulation is wet, mouldy, compressed, or pest-damaged, it’s best to fully remove it and replace it with new materials.

Our team can guide you on insulation installation best practices or connect you with experienced local installers in WA.

Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Talk.

If you suspect your insulation is outdated or ineffective, it’s time to upgrade. With our premium range of Earthwool® insulation batts and expert guidance, you can improve your home’s comfort, reduce your energy costs, and make a positive environmental impact.

Shop online now or call our team on 0417 910 326 to discuss your insulation upgrade today.