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

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

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

As you prep to begin installing more installation in your attic, you may be thinking 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 damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend 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 correctly and matches building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll get top benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built before 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 company who specializes in asbestos removal. 

How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In 

ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how well insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised. 

R-value is also impacted by the kind of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Midland Air Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing 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 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 put in. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is installed 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 more expensive, but offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which could contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have many 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 hold on to 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-access spots. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you need to install additional 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.* Reach us at 803-399-7208 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.