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

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

If you suspect your residence doesn’t have ample attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps even out 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 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 usually keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Albany, like Roland J. Down Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and achieves 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 commonly installed in homes built earlier than 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can cause 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® suggests attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which gives an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value measures how effectively insulation can divert heat. If you reside in a northern climate, up to 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also affected by the kind of insulation you install, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Roland J. Down Service Experts, our Experts 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? 

Roland J. Down Service Experts determines the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you reside, your budget and how much insulation you need to add. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation comes 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 delivers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable choice that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A specialized 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 spaces to fill, like around pipes, wiring or framing. While cellulose is budget-friendly and fire resistant, you’ll also have to take into account that it can retain moisture and flatten as the years pass. 

Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

This liquid insulation transforms to a hard foam on contact. It delivers the broadest barrier against air, vapor and water. Spray foam attic insulation is great for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t flatten and gives a natural sound block. 

When you are looking to to install additional in your attic, Roland J. Down Service Experts can help. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable suggestions and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 518-417-2938 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.