In many cases, you can add new insulation on top of the old insulation, unless the old insulation is damp, moldy, or contains vermiculite. If the old insulation is dry, but seems to have been wet before, it is important to find out the cause and fix the problem. It is essential to inspect existing materials for signs of damage or mold before adding more layers. Adding additional layers of insulation can help better insulate your home and save energy.
However, the answer to whether you can install new insulation on top of the old one depends on a variety of factors. If your old insulation is damp or water damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced. If the current insulation has always been dry, you can add new insulation on top of it. However, if it contains vermiculite insulation, similar to a pebble and with a silver, brown or gray appearance, it was mainly used until the 1950s and may contain traces of asbestos that could cause lung diseases if not removed immediately by a professional.
Since the old insulation will not be able to breathe, water will accumulate faster, leading to problems with the attic structure. Unless you live in a house built specifically to save energy, you can probably save energy by hiring an Austin attic insulation contractor to improve your attic's insulation. For many California residents, attic insulation seems like a “fix it and forget it” type of material, especially since it may not be visible from behind attic walls. It's vital that a professional insulation technician inspect the current insulation before adding another layer.
This means that your attic must be insulated with an R value, or heat flow resistance value, of R-30 to R-60. Regardless of your choice of insulation, never use vapor barriers or front insulation when placing new insulation on top of the original. Other quality practices when adding more insulation to attic spaces include the proper placement of insulation. If your previous insulation is up to par, you can now consider how to install the attic insulation on top of the existing insulation.
You may need attic insulation if you feel a stream of air coming out of the attic or if your heating bill is higher than it used to be. If you are thinking of installing attic insulation on top of existing insulation, blown insulation is the best option. It is important to take into account factors such as R-value and proper placement for maximum efficiency when adding new layers of insulation. If you are unsure about how to proceed with your project, contact an experienced Austin attic insulation contractor for advice and assistance.
