Having the right insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your residence energy efficient. It can help you save lots of money on your energy bills.
If you are concerned your house is among the 90% in the United States that doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a fantastic time to put in more. Having enough insulation helps even out your house’s temps and prevent wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you get ready to begin putting more insulation 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 often keep it. We advise working with a specialist who specializes in attic insulation in Indianapolis, like Broad Ripple Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is put in like it should be and achieves building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll reap maximum benefits for energy efficiency.
If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was commonly installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should assume it has asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
How Much Attic Insulation You Should Have
ENERGY STAR® recommends attics should have at the very least 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how efficiently insulation can divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested.
R-value is also impacted by the style of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s installed. When you work with a company like Broad Ripple Service Experts, we’ll 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?
Broad Ripple Service Experts chooses the best insulation for your attic by including 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 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 requested, as a result of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually made from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that gives excellent performance.
Blown-In Attic Insulation
A distinct machine is used to add blown-in attic insulation, which could be made from fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise choice if you have a lot of small spaces to fill, including around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is economical and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can retain moisture and decrease over time.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This liquid insulation converts to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is fantastic for sealing cracks and other hard-to-access locations. It’s very durable, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block.
When you want to install extra in your attic, Broad Ripple Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give skilled suggestions and excellent service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Reach us at 317-527-0271 or use our online scheduler to get an appointment now.
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