Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Get Rid of Outdated Attic Insulation?
Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your home comfortable. It can help you save lots of money on your utility costs.
If you think your house doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a great time to add more. Having ample insulation helps even out your home’s comfort and prevent wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be thinking 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 wet or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise working with 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 added correctly and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it has asbestos, which can cause 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® 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 divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the type of insulation you use, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a pro 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 right insulation for your attic by including where you own your home, 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 installed in sheets sized to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but delivers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Typically built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that delivers superb performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which can include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have a lot of little areas to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can hold on to moisture and settle over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It gives 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 extremely long-lasting, doesn’t go down and gives a natural sound wall.
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 knowledgeable suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 866-397-3787 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment right away.
