Having the correct amount of insulation in your attic doesn’t only keep your home comfortable. It can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you suspect your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is an excellent time to put in more. Having ample insulation helps even out your house’s temps and halt wintertime troubles including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you might be considering 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 wet or damaged, you can often keep it. We advise partnering with a professional who specializes in attic insulation in Austin, like Strand Brothers Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added properly and meets building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a company who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Have
ENERGY STAR® suggests attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you live in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised.
R-value is also influenced by the style of insulation you have, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Strand Brothers Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be put in.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Strand Brothers Service Experts figures out the ideal insulation for your attic by including where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to install. Here are the types of attic insulation we install.
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 popular, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Often built from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that provides great performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may include fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good material if you have a lot of tight areas to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can take in moisture and flatten as the years pass.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It provides the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other hard-to-access spots. It’s extremely strong, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block.
When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Strand Brothers Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide experienced recommendations and great service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 512-592-3072 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment today.
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