Keep It or Toss It: Should I Take Out Outdated Attic Insulation?
Having the right insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t just keep your house comfy. It can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.
If you think your residence doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a good time to add more. Having ample insulation helps balance your home’s comfort and prevent wintertime issues like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you could 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 hiring a pro 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 installed like it should be and matches building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll enjoy maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should assume it has asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a company who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can divert heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the style of insulation you use, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our Experts take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing figures out the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is available in sheets sized to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, as a result of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that gives great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which could include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have many small spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can hold on to moisture and decrease as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts 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 tricky-to-access areas. It’s highly heavy duty, doesn’t go down and provides a natural sound wall.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer experienced recommendations and great service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment right away.
