Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your home comfy. It can help you save a lot of money on your utility costs.
If you suspect your home 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 problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute.
As you prep 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.
Unless your current insulation is damp or damaged, you can typically keep it. We suggest calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Saint Charles, like Golden Seal 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 often installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it contains asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and contact a professional who specializes in asbestos removal.
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 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 depth and how it’s added. When you work with a professional like Golden Seal Service Experts, our Experts take all the guessing out of R-values and how much insulation needs to be installed.
Golden Seal 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 install. Here are the types of attic insulation we put in.
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, as a result of its price, moisture resistance and fire resistance. Mineral wool is costlier, but provides top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a sustainable option that delivers excellent performance.
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.
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 gives a natural sound block.
When you need to install additional in your attic, Golden Seal Service Experts can assist you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to give experienced recommendations and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Contact us at 630-246-2698 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.
So, you have an unfinished basement. Perhaps it’s the place where seasonal decorations and exercise equipment go to hide out for most of the year. Or maybe your basement is an empty space you walk through quickly because it’s bone-chillingly cold in the winter and too dank in the summer. If... Continue reading
Whether you add a sunroom, family room or other room to your house, being comfortable in your new area year-round is key. However, they can present a unique challenge for comfort. This is because adding ductwork is pricey. And that your heating and cooling system may not be able to handle the... Continue reading
It’s not fun to think about, but sometimes dust isn’t all that is in your duct system. You might have heard animal noises coming from air ducts and notice you have unwanted visitors. You can try and lure the critters out but if they’re nesting they may not leave their babies. Call Golden... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.