Keep It or Toss It: Should I Get Rid of Aging Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house comfortable. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs. 

If you suspect your house doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps even out your residence’s temps and stop wintertime problems such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prep to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you may be wondering 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 current insulation is soggy or damaged, you can often keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in West Chester, like Wesley Wood Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a pro 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 offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Wesley Wood Service Experts, we’ll take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

Wesley Wood Service Experts figures out the best 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 put in. 

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, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but offers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have many small spots to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can retain moisture and flatten as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms 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 difficult-to-access spots. It’s extremely long-lasting, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, Wesley Wood Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 484-401-7577 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.