Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t just keep your house cozy. It can help you save major money on your utility expenses.
If you suspect your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a great time to add more. Having adequate insulation helps even out your home’s comfort and stop wintertime troubles such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin adding insulation to your attic, you could be wondering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your present insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise working with a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Fort Worth, like Calverley Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added properly and matches building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll reap maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it contains asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a professional 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 gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can stop heat. If you live in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also affected by the kind of insulation you have, its depth and how it’s installed. When you work with a pro like Calverley 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?
Calverley Service Experts determines the best insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This type of insulation comes in sheets sized 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 costlier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that delivers excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which could contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good option if you have lots of tight spots to fill, like 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 flatten as the years pass.
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 great for plugging cracks and other difficult-to-access areas. It’s extremely long-lasting, doesn’t go down and offers a natural sound block.
When you are looking to to install extra in your attic, Calverley Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide skilled recommendations and outstanding service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 817-380-5647 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment right away.
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