Having the proper insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your residence pleasant. It can help you save major money on your heating and cooling expenses.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a great time to install more. Having adequate insulation helps regulate your residence’s temps and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be wondering 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 current insulation is wet or damaged, you can typically keep it. We advise hiring a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Jacksonville, like Air Engineers Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is installed like it should be and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains 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 Have
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended.
R-value is also impacted by the style of insulation you have, its depth and how it’s installed. When you work with a pro like Air Engineers Service Experts, our Experts take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Air Engineers Service Experts determines the right insulation for your attic by considering where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets cut to fit your attic and is built from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly option that delivers superb performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which can contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise material if you have many little areas 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 take in moisture and settle as the years pass.
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 ideal for plugging cracks and other tricky-to-access areas. It’s extremely long-lasting, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound barrier.
When you need to install more insulation in your attic, Air Engineers Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give experienced advice and excellent service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 904-450-5672 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment today.
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