Having the right insulation depth in your attic doesn’t just keep your residence comfortable. It can help you save major money on your utility costs.
If you suspect your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to add more. Having ample insulation helps regulate your home’s temperature and stop wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin installing more installation 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 current insulation is damp or damaged, you can typically keep it. We recommend hiring a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Miami, 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 max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call a pro 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 provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended.
R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you use, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, our specialists take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning figures out the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, as a result of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Typically constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly option that provides 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 good material if you have lots of small spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can hold on to moisture and flatten as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for plugging cracks and other tricky-to-reach spots. It’s highly heavy duty, doesn’t go down and provides a natural sound wall.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give experienced suggestions and great service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 305-440-1505 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment right away.
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