Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t only keep your residence comfortable. It can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling costs.
If you think your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is an excellent time to install more. Having ample insulation helps balance your home’s comfort and stop wintertime problems such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you might be thinking if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your present insulation is soggy or damaged, you can typically keep it. We advise calling a professional who specializes in attic insulation in West Chester, like Wesley Wood Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in like it should be and meets building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll enjoy max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should assume it has asbestos, which can lead to 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® suggests attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended.
R-value is also affected by the kind of insulation you have, its density and how it’s put in. When you work with a professional like Wesley Wood Service Experts, our specialists take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Wesley Wood Service Experts determines the right insulation for your attic by considering where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
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 popular, 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. Usually made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that gives excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which can include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise choice if you have a lot of tight spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can take in moisture and settle over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other hard-to-access spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t settle and offers a natural sound barrier.
When you want to install additional in your attic, Wesley Wood Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give experienced suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 484-401-7577 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment now.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.