Keep It or Toss It: Should I Remove Aging Attic Insulation? 

Having the correct insulation depth in your attic doesn’t only keep your house comfy. 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 home’s temps and stop wintertime problems like ice dams, according to the Insulation Institute. 

As you prep to begin adding insulation to your attic, you may be thinking if you need to do attic insulation removal. Not necessarily, and here’s why. 

In Most Homes, You Can Keep Old Attic Insulation 

Unless your current insulation is damp or damaged, you can often keep it. We recommend calling a pro who specializes in attic insulation in Long Island, like Matz-Rightway. That way, you’ll know your attic insulation is added correctly and matches building code standards. Correct installation also means you’ll get max benefits for energy efficiency. 

If your insulation looks like shiny pebbles or chips, stop prior to adding additional insulation. Vermiculite insulation was often installed in homes built prior to 1990. The EPA says you should presume it has asbestos, which can result in cancer. Don’t touch it or disturb it and call 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 offers an R-value of 38. Attic insulation R-value determines how well insulation can stop heat. If you live in a northern climate, as much 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 pro like Matz-Rightway, our specialists 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? 

Matz-Rightway determines the ideal insulation for your attic by taking into account where you live, your budget and how much insulation you need to have. Here are the types of attic insulation we install. 

Batt Attic Insulation 

This kind of insulation is available 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 delivers top protection against fire, water and sound. Usually constructed from recycled jeans, cotton insulation is a green option that delivers 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 a lot of small spaces 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 settle 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 fantastic for sealing cracks and other difficult-to-reach spots. It’s very long-lasting, doesn’t flatten and offers a natural sound block. 

When you want to install additional in your attic, Matz-Rightway can support you. Our licensed and certified Experts are here to provide skilled recommendations and great service that includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* Call us at 631-406-9220 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment now.