Keep It or Toss It: Should I Get Rid of Outdated Attic Insulation? 

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

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

As you prep 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 wet or damaged, you can usually keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Kansas City, like Neal Harris Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and meets building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get top benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation resembles shiny pebbles or chips, stop in advance of adding more insulation. Vermiculite insulation was frequently installed in homes built before 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can lead to cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and get in touch with a pro who specializes in asbestos removal. 

How Much Attic Insulation You Should Put In 

ENERGY STAR® advises attics should have at minimum 14” of insulation, which offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how well insulation can stop heat. If you have a home in a northern climate, as much as 18” or an R-value of 49 is recommended. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you install, its density and how it’s added. When you work with a pro like Neal Harris 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? 

Neal Harris 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 cut 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 offers greater protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that provides excellent performance. 

Blown-In Attic Insulation 

A specialized machine is used to install blown-in attic insulation, which can contain fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool or cotton. Cellulose is a smart material if you have many small areas 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 flatten 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 heavy duty, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you need to install additional in your attic, Neal Harris 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 816-787-0500 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.