Having the right insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t merely keep your home energy efficient. It can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to put in more. Having adequate insulation helps regulate your residence’s temperature and stop wintertime troubles including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prepare to begin installing more installation in your attic, you might 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 present insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend partnering with a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Livermore, like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in like it should be and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll have max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should suspect it has asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how effectively insulation can block heat. If you reside in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended.
R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you have, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning figures out the right insulation for your attic by including 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 comes in sheets cut to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that delivers great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to put in blown-in attic insulation, which may be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have lots of little areas 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 take in moisture and settle over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It offers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other tricky-to-reach areas. It’s extremely durable, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound wall.
When you want to install additional in your attic, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer experienced suggestions and outstanding service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 925-364-5427 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment right away.
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