Having a properly insulated attic space is a key part of any house insulation system. Attic insulation can offer a number of property protection benefits and financial savings. Though, when the insulation materials become damaged, moldy, or are too old to effectively insulate your attic, the insulation may need to be replaced.

Water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, animal infestations, mold or simply time can make your attic insulation less effective and even less safe. Older attic insulation, installed prior to the 1990’s, can also contain harmful substance like asbestos that is commonly found in vermiculite insulation. Attic insulation replacement projects can also be effective for providing an insulation material or system upgrade.

Attic Insulation Replacement Calgary

If you are not certain about both the effectiveness and safety of your attic insulation have the area inspected today. If any issues are found in your attic and existing insulation system the team at 4 Weather Insulation & Roofing can remove your existing attic insulation and replace it with a new and more efficient insulation solution. We can then work to install new insulation in order to complete the replacement process.

Attic Insulation Removal

Does your current attic insulation need to be removed?  Old attic insulation can lead to rising utility bills, depleted air quality, and less consistent home temperatures. These are 3 signs that your need to have you require new insulation and attic insulation removal services.:

• Fluctuating Temperatures & Rising Heating Costs – If you are lacking attic insulation, outside air is able to fall into your home and the warm internal air is able to rise out of your home. This forces air temperatures to fluctuate and for your home to use more energy to stay warm. So if your heating costs rise above seasonal averages it is a sign that your attic insulation is not doing its job.
• Roof Leaks – Roof leaks can let water into your attic space. This water can damage cellulose and fiberglass insulation based materials like insulation batts and loose fill insulation. These materials can become damp, which depletes their R-value or can become moldy and begin to release mold particle into your home’s air.
• Fire & Smoke – Of course, if a large fire burns away part of your attic space, the remaining insulation materials will no longer function properly and must be removed. Though, what is less known is the impact of smoke on insulation from fires in other areas of the home. Smoke leaves dust particles and a strong odour in your insulation which can both be near impossible to get rid of without removing the insulation.

Attic Preparation

After your insulation has been removed, the attic space must be prepared for the upcoming new insulation installations. These are the common steps required to insulate prepare your attic space for insulation installations.

• Seal Air Leaks – Air leaks can attribute to 30% of the conditioned air loss in your home. Air leaks can lead to moisture leaks or allow other airborne contaminants to enter your attic space. Air leaks also force the attic insulation materials to work much harder and may lead to lacking insulation benefits.  During the attic inspection, we can find all the existing air leaks in your attic space and seal them up. Air leaks can be sealed with high-quality caulking or closed-cell spray foam insulation.
• Clean The Attic – Anything stored in the attic will be removed. The area is then completely cleaned and dusted. Small attic repairs may also be required. A clean attic space helps the insulation to remain in better quality for years to come.
• Ventilate – All the attic vents in your attic space will be cleaned thoroughly. In addition, more attic ventilation may be required in order to ensure your new insulation system will not trap any air in the space. Warm air trapped in attic spaces promotes moisture build up.
• Plan Ahead – The logistics of the upcoming installation will need to be fully considered prior to beginning the installation processes. Aspects of storage, attic access, specific material installation needs and more all need to be considered.

Attic Insulation Installation

The final step in an attic insulation replacement project is to install the new insulation materials.  These are how the three most common styles of attic insulation are installed:

• Spray Foam – Spray foam is installed by spraying a designated thickens of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) between the attic joists that run along the underside of your roof deck. For an R-40 insulation level, roughly 12 inches of open-cell and roughly 6-7 inches of closed-cell will be required.

• Blown-In – Blown-in insulation utilizes a large hose and a specialized machine to break down large pads of cellulose insulation into small bits. The small pieces are then pumped through the hose and into the attic space up to a designated depth.  Blown-in insulation can make for the fastest insulation installation processes.
• Insulation Batts – Insulation batts are cut in pieces that fit snuggly between attic joists and boards. Insulation batts are the most popular form of insulation in Albertan homes.