Having the right amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t merely keep your house comfy. It can help you save major money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you suspect your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a great time to put in more. Having adequate insulation helps balance your residence’s temperature and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you might be considering 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 present insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Atlanta, like Peachtree Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll reap maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should assume it includes asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Have
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can stop 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 have, its thickness and how it’s put in. When you work with a professional like Peachtree Service Experts, we’ll take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Peachtree Service Experts chooses the best insulation for your attic by considering 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 kind of insulation comes in sheets sized 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 pricier, but provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly option that provides excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which could be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise material if you have lots of small spots to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can hold on to moisture and flatten as time passes.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other hard-to-get at spots. It’s extremely heavy duty, doesn’t go down and gives a natural sound barrier.
When you need to install additional in your attic, Peachtree Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give experienced advice and outstanding service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 678-235-9699 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment today.
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