Having the proper amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t just keep your house energy efficient. It can help you save lots of money on your energy expenses.
If you think your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is an excellent time to add more. Having ample insulation helps even out your residence’s comfort and stop wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin installing more installation in your attic, you could be wondering 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 existing insulation is damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Fort Worth, like Stark Services. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is installed correctly and meets building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll enjoy maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often 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 call a pro who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Add
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how effectively insulation can stop heat. If you live in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also affected by the style of insulation you install, its thickness and how it’s installed. When you work with a professional like Stark Services, our specialists 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?
Stark Services determines the ideal insulation for your attic by considering where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This style of insulation is installed in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most often installed, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but offers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly option that delivers outstanding 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 a lot of small spaces to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to realize that it can hold on to moisture and decrease as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It gives the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other tricky-to-access spots. It’s extremely heavy duty, doesn’t settle and offers a natural sound block.
When you want to install extra in your attic, Stark Services can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer knowledgeable advice and great service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 817-668-6689 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment today.
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