Attic Insulation Services
The correct amount of attic insulation will help reduce your energy bills. Attics are one of the easiest places in a house to insulate, especially if you'd like to “cap” your existing attic insulation (add insulation to what you already have).
Before insulating or deciding whether to add attic insulation, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, to see if your existing attic insulation measures up. Chances are it doesn’t match-up to current government recommendations.
Upon request, our attic insulation specialists measure your existing attic insulation during our Animal Entry inspections and let you know if you need to add more insulation to match the U.S. Department of Energy’s guidelines. Many attic insulation materials can be difficult to work with. Let the professionals at Critter Control do your attic insulation installation. We can also remove attic insulation that has been soiled/damaged and dispose of it for you.
Warning: If you think you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, there's a chance it could contain asbestos. Don't disturb it. Only attic insulation contractors certified to handle and remove asbestos should deal with vermiculite insulation.
Here are some insulation tips to consider before installing any type of insulation in your attic:
- Seal all attic-to-home air leaks. Most attic insulation does not stop airflow.
- Duct exhaust fans to the outside. Use a tightly constructed box to cover fan housing on attic side. Seal around the duct where it exits the box. Seal the perimeter of the box to the drywall on attic side.
- Cover openings—such as dropped ceilings, soffits, and bulkheads—into attic area with plywood and seal to the attic side of the ceiling.
- Seal around chimney and framing with a high-temperature caulk or furnace cement.
- At the tops of interior walls, use long-life caulk to seal the smaller gaps and holes. Use expanding foam or strips of rigid foam board insulation for the larger gaps.
- Install blocking (metal flashing) to maintain fire-safety clearance requirements (usually 3 inches) for heat-producing equipment found in an attic, such as flues, chimneys, exhaust fans, and light housings/fixtures unless the light fixtures are IC (insulation contact) rated. IC-rated lights are airtight and can be covered with insulation.
- Make sure insulation doesn't block soffit vents to allow for attic ventilation.
- Check the attic ceiling for water stains or marks. They indicate roof leaks or lack of ventilation. Make repairs before you insulate. Wet insulation is ineffective and can damage your home.
Also insulate and air-seal your attic access if it's located in a conditioned part of the house.
You'll want to properly insulate and air seal any knee walls—vertical walls with attic space directly behind them—in your home as well.
Finally, if you're constructing a new home or remodeling, make sure any attic decking, which provides additional storage space or a platform for an HVAC unit or hot water tank, is raised above the ceiling joists to ensure proper insulation depth. The decking then should be installed securely to the top of the raised lumber after the insulation has been installed.
Call us at 843.345.7378 for all your attic insulation needs.
Attic Restoration, Attic Repair & Chimney Repair Services
You removed the animals from the attic, but are you finished yet?
Nuisance wildlife in your attic can create problems many homeowners never think of. These animals can carry ectoparasites, which after the wildlife host is evicted, may move inside the home looking for a new host—YOU! Bat bugs, mites, ticks and fleas are just some of the ectoparasites you need to be concerned about. Mice in the attic, bats in the attic or various other vistors are notorious for bringing these pests in.
Ask our Wildlife Management Specialists to inspect your attic and treat for these critters, after your problem species is removed.
And what about the droppings left behind in your attic? Is this something you want hanging above your head at night when you sleep? Raccoons are known for using a single spot in your home as a latrine, while using another part of your attic as their living area. This can lead to matted attic insulation and reduced “R” values, which means you continue to lose money as you continue to heat and cool your home. It can also lead to stained ceilings and unnecessary odors.
Let our attic restoration professionals remove that soiled insulation and replace it with your choice of insulation products. Our specialists can prepare insurance bids with most major insurance companies and get your attic back in shape in no time. From gutter protection, attic fan vent guards, roof vent guards, gable vent closures and soffit vent repairs, our team can do it all with one single call.
Many of these nuisance animals cause problems to your chimney as well and require professional chimney repair. For all of your attic insulation tips, attic repair, attic restoration and chimney repair needs, contact us today at 843.345.7378