Attic Damage? Torn or soiled insulation? Contact Us for professional assistance!
Attic Insulation & Restoration Services in Ann Arbor
The proper amount of attic insulation will greatly reduce your energy bill. Attics are one of the easiest places in a house to insulate, especially if you'd like to “cap” your existing attic insulation by adding 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. There is a chance it may not be congruent with current government recommendations.
Our attic insulation specialists will measure your existing attic insulation 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 of Ann Arbor handle 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. Do not disturb it. Only attic insulation contractors certified to handle and remove asbestos should deal with vermiculite insulation.
Attic Restoration, Attic Repair & Chimney Repair Services
Wildlife in your attic can cause problems many homeowners never think of. These animals can carry ectoparasites like bat bugs, mites, ticks, and fleas, just to name a few. Mice and bats 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 has been removed.
Another common issue is the waste animals leave behind. Raccoons are known for using one spot in your attic as a latrine, while using another part as their living area. This can lead to matted attic insulation, which can reduce the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems. It can also lead to stained ceilings and odors.
Let our attic restoration professionals remove that soiled insulation and replace it with your choice of insulation products. Our specialists can work with most major insurance companies to get your attic up to code 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.
Many of these nuisance animals cause problems to your chimney as well and require professional chimney repair. For all of your attic and chimney repair needs, contact Critter Control of Ann Arbor.
Types of Attic Insulation
When thinking about this project, you’ll be wondering which choice is the best insulation for your attic. There are many options that the experts at Critter Control of Ann Arbor will review with you. Each type of insulation has its benefits and drawbacks. The most common insulation types include:
- Fiberglass Batt Insulation
- Loose-fill Fiberglass Insulation
- Cellulose Insulation
- Spray Foam Attic Insulation
A common concern when researching the best insulation for your area is the attic insulation r value. This gives you a number in reference to how much heat the insulation retains. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation is.
Cost to Insulate Attic
Many factors go into the attic insultation cost. Whether or not you need attic insulation removal is a large variable. Other factors include the type of insulation you choose, the square footage of the area, and if you need additional prep before the insulation is installed. The experts at Critter Control Ann Arbor know when and how to install attic insulation over existing insulation to save on cost. Call today to schedule a quote for your attic. 734.449.5858
Insulation Tips & Tricks
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.
- Ensure 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 the professionals at Critter Control of Ann Arbor for all your attic insulation needs. 734.449.5858