Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Get Rid of Aging Attic Insulation? 

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

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

As you prep to begin putting more insulation 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 wet or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Jackson, like Comfortech Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a pro who specializes in asbestos removal. 

How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In 

ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how efficiently insulation can divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Comfortech Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

Comfortech Service Experts chooses the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we install. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is available in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed 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 pricier, but offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that gives excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have a lot of small spaces to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can retain moisture and flatten as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s highly strong, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Comfortech 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.* Call us at 601-852-3105 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now. 

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