Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Remove Aging Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house comfortable. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs. 

If you suspect your house doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your residence’s temps and stop wintertime problems including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prepare to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you may be thinking 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 current insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Dayton, like Stevenson Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a company who specializes in asbestos removal. 

How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In 

ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how effectively insulation can stop heat. If you live in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Stevenson Service Experts, our specialists take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

Stevenson Service Experts figures out the best insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, 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 trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise material if you have lots of small areas 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 flatten as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, Stevenson Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 937-503-7896 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.