Keep It or Throw It: Should I Take Out Aging Attic Insulation?
Having the proper insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t merely keep your home comfy. It can help you save lots of money on your heating and cooling costs.
If you suspect your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a great time to put in more. Having ample insulation helps regulate your home’s temps and stop wintertime problems such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin adding insulation to your attic, you could be wondering 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 soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend partnering with a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Birmingham, like Norrell Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added like it should be and meets building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll get maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it contains asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a professional 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 offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can stop 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 affected by the style of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s installed. When you work with a company like Norrell Service Experts, our Experts take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Norrell Service Experts chooses the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
Batt Attic Insulation
This type of insulation comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is constructed 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 offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Often made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly solution that delivers great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special 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 lots of little spots to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can retain moisture and settle as the years pass.
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 ideal for sealing cracks and other tricky-to-get at locations. It’s extremely tough, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound barrier.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Norrell Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled recommendations and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 205-267-0023 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.
