Keep It or Toss It: Should I Get Rid of Old Attic Insulation? 

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

If you suspect your house doesn’t have adequate attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your residence’s temps and stop wintertime issues including ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be thinking 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 soggy or damaged, you can typically keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Hillsborough, like Fras-Air/General 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 maximum benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation appears to be shiny pebbles or chips, stop before adding extra insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can cause cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a company 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 well insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you have, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a company like Fras-Air/General Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

Fras-Air/General Service Experts determines 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 put in. 

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, because of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is more expensive, but offers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable solution that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A distinct machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which may contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a wise material if you have many small areas to fill, including 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 best barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is ideal for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s highly strong, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block. 

When you need to install additional in your attic, Fras-Air/General Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 908-448-2154 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.