Keep It or Toss It: Should I Take Out Aging Attic Insulation?

Having the right insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house cozy. It can help you save major money on your energy costs.

If you are concerned your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to put in more. Having enough insulation helps regulate your home’s temps and halt wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.

As you prepare to begin putting more insulation in 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 current insulation is wet or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest partnering with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in West Palm Beach, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added properly 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 in advance of adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes 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 Put In

ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.

R-value is also affected by the style of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s installed. When you work with a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll 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 determines the ideal insulation for your attic by including where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.

Batt Attic Insulation

This style of insulation comes in sheets sized to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most popular, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but delivers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Typically constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green solution that gives great performance.

Blown-In Attic Insulation

A distinct machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which can be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have lots of little spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can retain moisture and flatten 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 ideal for filling cracks and other hard-to-get at locations. It’s extremely strong, doesn’t settle and gives a natural sound block.

When you are looking to to install more insulation in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide knowledgeable suggestions and excellent service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 561-629-1826 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment today.

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