Keep It or Throw It: Should I Remove Outdated Attic Insulation?
Having the proper insulation depth in your attic doesn’t just keep your house comfy. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs.
If you think your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a great time to add more. Having adequate insulation helps even out your house’s temps and prevent wintertime troubles including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you could 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 soggy or damaged, you can often keep it. We recommend hiring a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Houston, like Church Services. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll enjoy max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains 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 least 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how effectively insulation can block heat. If you live in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also influenced by the style of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Church Services, our Experts take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Church Services figures out the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This kind of insulation comes in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is built from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Typically made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that gives excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise option if you have many tight areas to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can take in moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It provides the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other tricky-to-access areas. It’s extremely long-lasting, doesn’t go down and gives a natural sound wall.
When you want to install extra in your attic, Church Services can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer experienced advice and excellent service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 713-396-3760 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment right away.
*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.