Keep It or Toss It: Should I Take Out Old Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house comfortable. 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 house’s temps and stop wintertime issues 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 Instances, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation 

Unless your current insulation is soggy or damaged, you can usually keep it. We advise calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Nashville, like Donelson Air 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 commonly installed in homes built earlier than 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 offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value gauges how efficiently insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is suggested. 

R-value is also influenced by the kind of insulation you use, its thickness and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Donelson Air 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? 

Donelson Air 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 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 more expensive, but offers 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 smart material if you have lots of small areas 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 hold on to moisture and decrease 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 ideal for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-access spots. It’s very strong, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you need to install additional in your attic, Donelson Air Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give knowledgeable suggestions and outstanding service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 615-953-9885 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.