If you’re a homeowner who loves finding ways to save money on monthly expenses like heating and cooling bills, then take a close look at your attic insulation. It could yield big benefits. Why?
One word: insulation
An attic that is well-insulated can effectively keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And that translates into big savings on your heating and cooling bills each month. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, good insulation in your attic can cut, at minimum, at least 15% off of your energy bill. And if you live in a hot or cold climate – like down South or in the Northeast, those savings could be significantly more.
At this point you may be asking, “So, when is it time to replace insulation? or How long does attic insulation last? Check out the following list:
When to Replace Insulation in Attic
To answer the all-important question – how long does attic insulation last? – it’s important to consider the following factors first:
Your insulation’s R-Value
Not all insulation is made the same way. The effectiveness of the insulation found in your home may be completely different from your neighbor’s. One measure used to gauge the effectiveness of your insulation is called an R-value. According to the Department of Energy:
An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
As previously mentioned, where you live plays a part in the recommended R-value for your insulation. For instance, if you live in the Department of Energy’s “zone 1” (which includes states like the southern tip of Florida or Hawaii), you can get by with a lower R-value (R-30 to R-49 for an uninsulated attic).
However, the recommendations become progressively higher for the majority of the United States. In fact, when you move to Zones 4 and 5 the recommended range is anywhere from R-38 to R-60. Those zones include much of the Northeast, the middle of the country, and the west coast. If your R-values don’t fall within those recommended ranges, you may need to consider insulation removal and replacement.
The thickness of the insulation in your attic
Not surprisingly, extremely thin insulation is less effective than thicker insulation. Anything less than approximately 12 inches thick is just too thin, and this may put your attic in need of insulation removal and replacement.
The age of your home
Not only might an older home need insulation removal and replacement simply due to the fact that the insulation has aged to a point of ineffectiveness, but the technology has changed dramatically. Think about it. The best insulation in the 1960’s is nothing compared to the advances that have been made in modern insulation practices today. Modern materials and manufacturing processes result in a better quality product to insulate your attic and home.
In addition, the materials previously used in older homes can sag over time. And this can create places in the insulation itself where heat and cold can escape. So, unless your home is relatively new (or had a recent insulation replacement). You may want to ask a contractor to assess the state of your attic, to determine if insulation removal and replacement is right for you.
Leaks in the roof (and the insulation itself)
If you’ve had any leaks in your roof – or if you have any ice dams (places on your roof where the snow and ice don’t drain properly), this is a serious red flag. That’s because leaky roofs can create moisture in your attic insulation as well. Over time, that moisture can turn into mold and remain trapped. That makes insulation removal and replacement an imperative for the respiratory health of you and your loved ones.
The other type of leak to consider is a leak in the insulation itself. As previously mentioned, this may happen in an older home or with older insulation products. For example, if your old insulation has shifted and now allows air to move freely in and out of your home via the leaks in your attic. Even the most energy-efficient air conditioning and heating units will be significantly less effective at keeping your home cool or warm.
Pest Infestations
If you’ve had an infestation of pests, you may have insulation issues. Even if you have gotten rid of the actual pests, the feces they leave behind can find their way into your attic insulation.
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company Provides Quality Insulation Removal and Replacement
Whether you need an assessment of your attic insulation or you’re ready to move ahead with the insulation removal and replacement. Let Mid-Atlantic take the headache out of the process with our affordable services and skilled professional staff.
At Mid-Atlantic Remodeling, we hire only the best, most ethical contractors to service your home insulation needs. Our satisfied customers agree that our responsive staff, along with affordable service. That makes Mid-Atlantic Remodeling your go-to company for any remodeling service you may need, from roofing and windows to exterior remodeling, siding, and insurance restoration. No matter what the job, Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company is ready to help you keep your home up to date and looking great.
To learn more, receive an estimate, or ask questions, please contact Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company at (410) 918-0563. Visit us online at https://midatlanticremodelingco.com/ for information.
