Having the proper insulation depth in your attic doesn’t merely keep your home cozy. It can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling costs.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to put in more. Having adequate insulation helps even out your house’s comfort and stop 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 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 existing insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest working with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Richmond, like Eveready Service Experts . That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in like it should be and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll have max 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 suspect it includes asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with 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 provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how effectively insulation can block heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also impacted by the style of insulation you use, its density and how it’s put in. When you work with a professional like Eveready Service Experts , our specialists take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Eveready Service Experts figures out the ideal insulation for your attic by including where you reside, 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 is available in sheets cut to fit your attic and is constructed 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 provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that gives excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good option if you have many tight areas 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 retain moisture and flatten as time passes.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It offers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for filling cracks and other tricky-to-access areas. It’s highly strong, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block.
When you want to install additional in your attic, Eveready Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled recommendations and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 804-548-4480 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.
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