Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t just keep your house cozy. It can help you save lots of money on your energy bills.
If you are concerned your home 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 even out your residence’s temps and stop wintertime problems such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prepare to begin adding insulation to your attic, you might be considering 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 present insulation is soggy or damaged, you can often keep it. We suggest calling a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Columbus, like Stevenson Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is installed correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll enjoy max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it includes asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at minimum 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 deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also affected by the style of insulation you use, its density and how it’s installed. When you work with a company like Stevenson Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Stevenson Service Experts figures out the right insulation for your attic by considering where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but offers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Often made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that provides outstanding performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which can contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have many little spaces to fill, like 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 offers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach areas. It’s extremely strong, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound barrier.
When you want to install extra in your attic, Stevenson Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide knowledgeable recommendations and outstanding service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 614-334-3192 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment right away.
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