Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Remove Outdated Attic Insulation?
Having the right amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t only keep your home cozy. It can help you save lots of money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you suspect your house doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having adequate insulation helps balance your residence’s temperature and prevent wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to 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 present insulation is damp or damaged, you can often keep it. We recommend working with a professional 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 properly and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should assume it has asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how efficiently 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 style of insulation you install, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ll 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 ideal insulation for your attic by considering where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in.
Batt Attic Insulation
This type of insulation is available 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 costlier, but delivers top protection against fire, water and sound. Typically constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that gives great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which may be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good choice if you have many small areas to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced 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 changes to a hard foam on contact. It gives the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for plugging cracks and other tricky-to-reach areas. It’s highly strong, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block.
When you want to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled suggestions and excellent service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment today.
