Having the correct insulation thickness in your attic doesn’t just keep your home comfy. It can help you save lots of money on your heating and cooling expenses.
If you are concerned your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your residence’s comfort and halt wintertime troubles such as ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prepare to begin putting more insulation in your attic, you may be wondering if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why.
In Most Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation
Unless your existing insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We recommend calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Dallas, like Levy & Son Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and meets building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll reap maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In
ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can block heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the style of insulation you have, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Levy & Son Service Experts, our specialists take all the speculation out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Levy & Son Service Experts figures out the right insulation for your attic by taking into account where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most popular, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green solution that provides outstanding performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which may include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart option if you have many small spots to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can take in moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other hard-to-access areas. It’s highly heavy duty, doesn’t settle and provides a natural sound barrier.
When you are looking to to install more insulation in your attic, Levy & Son Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable recommendations and outstanding service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 469-250-0932 or use our online scheduler to get 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.