Having the correct amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t just keep your house cozy. It can help you save lots of money on your energy costs.
If you suspect your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a great time to install more. Having ample insulation helps even out your residence’s comfort and stop wintertime issues such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prepare to begin adding insulation to your attic, you could 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 present insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Buffalo, like Sunbeam Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added like it should be and matches building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll enjoy maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Have
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how well insulation can divert heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the type of insulation you use, its density and how it’s installed. When you work with a pro like Sunbeam Service Experts, our Experts take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Sunbeam Service Experts figures out the best 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 kind of insulation comes in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but offers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Usually made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly solution that gives excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which could be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have many tight spaces to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can retain moisture and flatten over time.
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 great for sealing cracks and other hard-to-get at locations. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t go down and offers a natural sound wall.
When you are looking to to install more insulation in your attic, Sunbeam Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide experienced suggestions and outstanding service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 716-427-6807 or use our online scheduler to schedule an appointment right away.
*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.