Having the proper insulation depth in your attic doesn’t merely keep your residence pleasant. It can help you save lots of money on your utility costs.
If you think your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is an excellent time to add more. Having ample insulation helps balance your home’s temperature and halt wintertime problems including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin installing more installation in your attic, you might 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 existing insulation is damp or damaged, you can often keep it. We recommend calling a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Memphis, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is installed like it should be and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll have maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional 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 get in touch with a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Have
ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how effectively insulation can block heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also affected by the type of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, 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?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning figures out the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account 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 type of insulation is available in sheets trimmed 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 more expensive, but offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Typically built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green solution that provides excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have many small spots to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can hold on to moisture and decrease as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It offers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for filling cracks and other difficult-to-reach areas. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t settle and offers a natural sound block.
When you need to install extra in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer skilled advice and outstanding service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 901-235-1196 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment right away.
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