Keep It or Throw It: Should I Take Out Aging 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 adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps regulate your house’s temps and stop wintertime problems including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you get ready to begin installing more installation in your attic, you may be thinking 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 current insulation is soggy or damaged, you can often keep it. We recommend calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Voorhees, like Atmostemp Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Accurate installation also means you’ll get top benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often 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 provides 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 recommended. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you install, its depth and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Atmostemp Service Experts, our specialists 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? 

Atmostemp Service Experts chooses the best insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, 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 sized to fit your attic and is constructed 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 delivers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A special machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a good 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 consider that it can take in moisture and settle 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 great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s extremely tough, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block. 

When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Atmostemp Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer knowledgeable suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 856-310-4824 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.