Keep It or Toss It: Should I Get Rid of Aging Attic Insulation? 

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

If you suspect your house doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your residence’s temps and stop 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 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 suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Wheeling, like Comfort Masters Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and achieves building code standards. Accurate 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 commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a pro who specializes in asbestos removal. 

How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In 

ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can block heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you have, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Comfort Masters 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? 

Comfort Masters Service Experts chooses the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you own your home, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we use. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is installed in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly 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 wise material if you have a lot of 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 take in moisture and decrease as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms 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 difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Comfort Masters Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer knowledgeable suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 847-250-6729 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.