Keep It or Toss It: Should I Remove Old Attic Insulation?
Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t only keep your house comfortable. It can help you save major money on your utility costs.
If you suspect your residence doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a good time to add more. Having adequate insulation helps balance your home’s comfort and stop wintertime issues like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin installing more installation in your attic, you might be wondering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your existing insulation is wet or damaged, you can often keep it. We suggest calling a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in the U.S., like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in accurately and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll enjoy maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it includes asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how effectively 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 style of insulation you install, its depth and how it’s installed. When you work with a professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our Experts take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing determines the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This kind of insulation comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most popular, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Typically constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green choice that provides outstanding performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which may include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have lots of small areas to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can retain moisture and settle as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It provides the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t go down and gives a natural sound wall.
When you need to install more insulation in your attic, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide experienced suggestions and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment now.
