Keep It or Toss It: Should I Remove Old Attic Insulation? 

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

If you suspect your home doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps regulate your house’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 considering 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 damp or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Waldorf, like A-Plus. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it includes asbestos, which can result in 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® suggests 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 depth and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like A-Plus, we’ll take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

A-Plus 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 install. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is available in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed 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 top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that gives excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which could contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have many small spots to fill, such as around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly 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 transforms to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the strongest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, A-Plus can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide skilled suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 301-747-3140 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.