Keep It or Throw It: Should I Take Out 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 enough attic insulation, now is a good time to install more. Having enough insulation helps balance your residence’s temps and stop wintertime problems including 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 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 Rochester, like Strogen's Service Experts. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and achieves building code standards. Proper installation also means you’ll get max 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 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 effectively insulation can stop heat. If you reside in a northern climate, as deep as 18” or an R-value of 49 is advised. 

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 Strogen's Service Experts, we’ll take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed. 

What’s the Best Insulation for My Attic? 

Strogen's Service Experts figures out 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 put in. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is available in sheets trimmed to fit your attic and is constructed from fiberglass, mineral wool or cotton. Fiberglass is the most requested, due to its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is pricier, but offers excellent protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that delivers 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 smart material if you have lots of 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 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 fantastic for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very tough, doesn’t flatten and provides a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, Strogen's Service Experts can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to offer skilled recommendations and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 603-923-4570 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.