Having the correct amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t only keep your residence comfy. It can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is an excellent time to install more. Having adequate insulation helps even out your home’s temperature and prevent wintertime issues like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you might 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 present insulation is wet or damaged, you can typically keep it. We advise calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Columbia, like Midland Air Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added properly and achieves building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll have maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should assume it includes asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how well insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also affected by the type of insulation you use, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Midland Air Service Experts, our Experts take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Midland Air Service Experts figures out the right insulation for your attic by considering where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is available in sheets sized to fit your attic and is built from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, as a result of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Typically made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that delivers great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which can include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have many little spaces to fill, including 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 converts to a hard foam on contact. It provides the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other hard-to-get at spots. It’s very durable, doesn’t settle and gives a natural sound barrier.
When you want to install more insulation in your attic, Midland Air Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 803-399-7208 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.
*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.