Keep It or Throw It: Should I Remove Old Attic Insulation?
Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t merely keep your house energy efficient. It can help you save major money on your utility expenses.
If you are concerned your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a great time to add more. Having adequate insulation helps regulate your home’s comfort and prevent wintertime issues such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin installing more installation in your attic, you may be considering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Cases, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your current insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise hiring a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in North America, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and achieves building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll enjoy top benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can block heat. If you live in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the type of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s installed. When you work with a professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning determines the ideal insulation for your attic by including where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
Batt Attic Insulation
This type of insulation comes in sheets sized to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that gives superb performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have a lot of tight spots to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can hold on to moisture and settle as time passes.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other hard-to-access locations. It’s highly tough, doesn’t settle and provides a natural sound block.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer knowledgeable suggestions and excellent service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment right away.
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