Attic Insulation Removal: What Happens When I Remove Insulation?
Do you notice the air in your home isn’t cooling or heating as efficiently as it should? Are your energy bills skyrocketing?
Old insulation can be contaminated with mildew, mold, animal droppings and urine. These contaminants present a serious health hazard and can lead to costly drywall repairs. Replacing old insulation is essential to protect your family’s well-being.
What Happens When I Remove Insulation?
Depending on the reason you are looking to reinsulate your attic it is sometimes not necessary to remove all of the pre-existing insulation. However, in many cases it is best to completely remove and dispose of all existing attic insulation before installing new insulation. The old insulation will quickly absorb moisture and mold and may rot, thus making it less insulative. In addition the rot can cause damage to drywall, wood framing and electrical wiring and fixtures in the attic.
Also, old attic insulation can have rodent droppings and urine in it. This is a serious health hazard for anyone that enters the attic and can lead to breathing issues, odor issues in the house and stains on the ceiling drywall. Rodents also make attics their home over the winter, and they leave a mess that must be cleaned and sanitized before installing new insulation.
Lastly, old attic insulation can be affected by smoke from a house fire. In this case, it is very important to remove and replace the insulation because the smoke can stain and smell up the entire house.
Attic insulation is often made from Blown Cellulose or Fiberglass Batt Insulation. Both of these types of insulation have the potential to contain asbestos which is a serious health hazard and requires special handling and disposal techniques. If you are planning on using these types of materials to reinsulate your attic, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced insulation professional to do the work for you.
Blown and loose fiberglass or cellulose insulation is usually the easiest to remove and is generally easier for homeowners to handle on their own. However, it is always recommended to wear protective clothing when working with insulation especially a full body jumpsuit and a mask or respirator. The dust that is created when removing attic insulation can irritate and contaminate the skin, nose and eyes. In addition, the materials can be very itchy. A specialized high-powered attic insulation vacuum is also needed to properly remove attic insulation. The debris is then bagged and hauled away for proper disposal.
The Attic Inspection
The attic is an often overlooked space, but it plays a vital role in controlling moisture levels and promoting airflow throughout the home. Conducting regular attic inspections helps identify issues that require attention and repair. It also allows homeowners to make changes that will improve energy efficiency and comfort.
The inspection is a comprehensive examination of the attic space and all aspects above it. It includes a visual assessment of insulation thickness, roof and chimney condition, ventilation and ductwork, and electrical wiring. It also covers any potential safety hazards and fire-blocking concerns. An inspector will note any conditions observed in the attic, including the presence of leaks and water damage, mold, rodent droppings or nests, and sagging drywall or wood framing.
When a homeowner goes up into the attic, they will need proper safety gear and equipment, including protective clothing, respirators, a powerful shop vac, and knives for removing staples or nails. There is also the possibility of hazardous materials present in the attic, such as asbestos, that will need to be handled and disposed of properly by qualified professionals.
If a house has older insulation, the home inspector will recommend upgrading it to meet modern standards. This will not only help save on energy costs, but it will also increase the longevity of the shingles on the roof. It is recommended to replace fiberglass insulation with cellulose or foam.
There are other things that the home inspector will check during this process, including a proper amount of attic venting and the presence of a whole-house fan (not to be confused with an attic fan). A properly functioning attic fan will help keep moisture out of the attic and prevent rot and mould problems.
The home inspector will also check that there is sufficient insulation around recessed lighting fixtures and the appropriate amount of ventilation. If a house has ductwork that vents into the attic, the inspector will make sure there is adequate insulation to prevent heat and humidity from seeping through the attic. They will also check for any evidence of a rodent infestation in the attic, such as chewed wires or soiled insulation.
The Removal Process
When professionals perform attic insulation removal, they will typically wear protective clothing including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask/respirator to ensure that airborne contaminants do not spread throughout your home. They will also clear out all belongings from the attic area so that they have ample working space to complete the project without contaminating other areas of your home.
Professionals will utilize a specialized insulation removal vacuum to suck up and remove the old insulation material. This type of machine is designed to be used at high speeds and can quickly suck up large amounts of insulation material in a short amount of time. They will then place the contaminated insulation into heavy-duty bags that are sealed before being hauled away for disposal.
It can be very stressful and claustrophobic to work in your attic for long periods of time, so it is important to take regular breaks and get fresh air. You will also need to make sure that you have a large enough vehicle to transport the bags of contaminated insulation.
If you opt to undertake an attic insulation removal project yourself, be prepared for it to be a very messy and time-consuming task. It is a good idea to screen off the attic access door and the adjacent walls with plastic sheeting from floor to ceiling so that you don’t accidentally contaminate your living spaces. It is also a good idea to use drop cloths to protect any surfaces that you don’t want to get dirty.
The removal process can take several days if you are tackling a larger attic space, so be prepared to spend the better part of a week or more working on this project. If you have a smaller attic space, it might be possible to complete the job over a few weekends if your schedule allows.
When you are ready to dispose of the old insulation, be aware that cellulose insulation cannot be recycled. You will need to contact your local waste management organization to find out where you can go to drop off the bags of contaminated insulation for proper disposal.
The Disposal
Removing old insulation can be a messy job. You’ll likely be filling a lot of garbage bags, which will need to be placed in a dumpster for proper disposal. You’ll also need to prepare your home for the mess ahead of time, clearing a path from your door to the attic access point and setting up a ladder in the most suitable location. The next step is to get a hold of a waste management company to see how they handle the collection and transportation of the waste.
Depending on your insulation type, you may need different tools to scoop it up and bag it. For example, blown-in cellulose insulation can be very difficult to work with due to the fact that it is very light and will drift around when you’re trying to scoop it up. It’s a good idea to wear heavy duty gloves and a dust mask when working with this material. Fiberglass batt insulation can also cause irritation to skin and eyes, and it’s a good idea to wear coveralls as well.
Once you’ve cleared the attic access area and set up a ladder, it’s time to start the process of removing the insulation. You’ll need a long ladder, as well as a rake and a heavy-duty vacuum to suck up the insulation and place it into the bags. This will need to be done quickly, as the air will start to recirculate if the insulation is left on the attic floor or in the living space below.
Before you begin removing the old insulation, it’s important to analyze the condition of the materials and note any deterioration or signs of asbestos. This will help you decide whether or not to tackle the project yourself, or if it’s best left to professionals.
Removing attic insulation is a demanding project that most homeowners are not equipped to handle on their own. It’s a task that experienced insulation professionals should take on, as it’s an important project that will save you money on energy bills and potentially increase your home’s sale value if you ever decide to sell.
Do you notice the air in your home isn’t cooling or heating as efficiently as it should? Are your energy bills skyrocketing? Old insulation can be contaminated with mildew, mold, animal droppings and urine. These contaminants present a serious health hazard and can lead to costly drywall repairs. Replacing old insulation is essential to protect…