Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Get Rid of Outdated Attic Insulation?
Having the right amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t only keep your house energy efficient. It can help you save major money on your utility expenses.
If you think your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to install more. Having enough insulation helps even out your home’s comfort and prevent wintertime problems 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 Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your present insulation is damp or damaged, you can often keep it. We advise calling a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Gainesville, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in accurately and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get top benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a company who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can stop heat. If you live in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also impacted by the kind of insulation you use, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll take all the speculation 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 best insulation for your attic by including where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is available in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that gives superb performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which could contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart choice if you have a lot of tight spots 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 take in moisture and settle over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It offers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach areas. It’s highly heavy duty, doesn’t settle and gives a natural sound block.
When you need to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled recommendations and outstanding service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 352-414-4006 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment today.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
