Keep It or Throw It: Should I Remove Aging Attic Insulation?
Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t merely keep your house pleasant. It can help you save major money on your utility expenses.
If you think your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to put in more. Having ample insulation helps balance your residence’s temps and stop wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you could 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 existing insulation is wet or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend working with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Orlando, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll reap maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 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 Have
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how effectively insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also influenced by the type of insulation you have, its depth and how it’s installed. When you work with a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 figures out the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account 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 kind of insulation comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Typically built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that delivers superb performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which may include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have many little spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can retain moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It gives the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach locations. It’s very tough, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound wall.
When you need to install more insulation in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide knowledgeable suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 407-329-7661 or use our online scheduler to request 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.
