Having the right insulation depth in your attic doesn’t just keep your home pleasant. It can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you suspect your residence is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have enough attic insulation, now is a good time to put in more. Having adequate insulation helps balance your home’s temps and prevent wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep to begin installing more installation in your attic, you might be considering 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 present insulation is wet or damaged, you can often keep it. We advise calling a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Tulsa, like Jack Nelson Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added accurately and meets building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation resembles 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 assume it has asbestos, which can result in 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 least 14” of insulation, which provides an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how efficiently insulation can block heat. If you live in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s put in. When you work with a professional like Jack Nelson Service Experts, our specialists take all the guesswork out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be added.
What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic?
Jack Nelson Service Experts chooses the ideal 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 use.
Batt Attic Insulation
This kind of insulation is installed in sheets cut to fit your attic and is made from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but provides greater protection against fire, water and sound. Typically constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is an earth-friendly choice that provides excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which could contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart choice if you have many little spaces to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is competitively priced and fire resistant, you’ll also have to consider that it can retain moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation changes to a hard foam on contact. It offers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other tricky-to-reach areas. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t go down and provides a natural sound wall.
When you want to install extra in your attic, Jack Nelson Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable recommendations and outstanding service that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 918-212-8927 or use our online scheduler to book 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.