Having the proper insulation depth in your attic doesn’t just keep your house comfy. It can help you save major money on your utility costs.
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 install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your home’s temperature and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin installing more installation in your attic, you might be considering 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 soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend partnering with a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Dayton, like Stevenson Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built prior to 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® suggests attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you live in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended.
R-value is also affected by the kind of insulation you have, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Stevenson Service Experts, we’ll take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Stevenson Service Experts determines the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most popular, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but delivers top protection against fire, water and sound. Often made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that gives great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which can include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have a lot of little 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 take in moisture and flatten over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for filling cracks and other difficult-to-get at locations. It’s highly tough, doesn’t go down and provides a natural sound wall.
When you need to install additional in your attic, Stevenson Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled advice and great service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 937-503-7896 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment right away.
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