Keep It or Pitch It: Should I Take Out Old Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house pleasant. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs. 

If you suspect your house doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your house’s temps and stop wintertime troubles such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be thinking 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 current insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Gaithersburg, like Parker Pearce Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get maximum benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes asbestos, which can result in 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® suggests attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers 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 influenced by the kind of insulation you install, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Parker Pearce 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? 

Parker Pearce Service Experts chooses the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation comes in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but offers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have a lot of small spaces to fill, including 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 delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s extremely tough, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Parker Pearce Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide skilled suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 301-476-4577 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.