Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t merely keep your house energy efficient. It can help you save a lot of money on your energy expenses.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a good time to put in more. Having ample insulation helps balance your home’s comfort and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin installing more installation in your attic, you could be considering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Homes, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your present insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise hiring a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Shreveport, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and meets building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll enjoy maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should assume it has asbestos, which can lead to 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® recommends attics should have at minimum 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 influenced by the type of insulation you have, its thickness and how it’s put in. When you work with a company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, 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?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning determines the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you own your home, 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 available in sheets sized to fit your attic and is built from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that gives great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which could be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have lots of small areas to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can retain moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It gives the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for filling cracks and other tricky-to-get at locations. It’s highly strong, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound barrier.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable advice and excellent service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 318-588-8163 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment now.
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