Having the correct amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t just keep your house energy efficient. It can help you save major money on your utility bills.
If you suspect your home is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to put in more. Having enough insulation helps balance your home’s comfort and halt wintertime issues such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin adding insulation to your attic, you might be thinking 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 soggy or damaged, you can often keep it. We suggest working with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Gaithersburg, like Parker Pearce Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll have top 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 before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call 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 offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can divert 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 put in. When you work with a company like Parker Pearce 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?
Parker Pearce Service Experts determines the best insulation for your attic by including where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is built 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 top protection against fire, water and sound. Often built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green solution that provides excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good choice if you have many small spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can hold on to moisture and flatten over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It offers the best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for filling cracks and other difficult-to-get at spots. It’s extremely tough, doesn’t settle and gives a natural sound block.
When you want to install more insulation in your attic, Parker Pearce Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer experienced advice and great service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 301-476-4577 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment now.
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