Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t merely keep your residence comfy. It can help you save lots of money on your utility bills.
If you suspect your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a great time to install more. Having adequate insulation helps regulate your residence’s comfort and halt wintertime troubles such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prepare to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you might be wondering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Homes, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your existing insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Knoxville, like R & M Climate Control Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should assume it includes asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can block heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also affected by the type of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s put in. When you work with a company like R & M Climate Control Service Experts, we’ll take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
R & M Climate Control Service Experts determines the ideal insulation for your attic by including where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
Batt Attic Insulation
This kind of insulation is installed in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is built from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly option that gives great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which can contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have a lot of tight areas to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can take in moisture and settle over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for plugging cracks and other difficult-to-get at areas. It’s extremely durable, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound block.
When you want to install more insulation in your attic, R & M Climate Control Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide experienced recommendations and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 865-229-6176 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment right away.
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