Keep It or Throw It: Should I Get Rid of Outdated Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house pleasant. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs. 

If you suspect your house doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your house’s temps and stop wintertime problems including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prep to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you may be thinking 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 soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest calling 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 added correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 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 Put In 

ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our Experts take all the guessing 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 figures out 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 put in. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is available in sheets trimmed 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 offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have many small spaces to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can take in moisture and flatten as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.