Having the right amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t just keep your home energy efficient. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility expenses.
If you think your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is an excellent time to install more. Having ample insulation helps balance your home’s temps and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be wondering 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 current insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise working with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Girard, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is installed accurately and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get top benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can lead to 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 Have
ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how efficiently insulation can divert heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also influenced by the style of insulation you have, its depth and how it’s put in. When you work with a pro 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 ideal insulation for your attic by considering where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This kind of insulation comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Often made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that provides outstanding performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which can include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have lots of little spots to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can take in moisture and flatten over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It offers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other hard-to-reach areas. It’s extremely heavy duty, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound wall.
When you need to install extra in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer experienced advice and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 330-269-7235 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment right away.
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