ATTIC INSULATION REMOVAL SERVICE
Is attic insulation removal necessary?
SEE BELOW FOR D.I.Y. ATTIC REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS
Here are some reasons our clients hire us to remove attic insulation or crawl space insulation or even wall insulation: Heath and Energy Efficiency
- Dirty attic insulation – this is a result of one of the following
- rodent infiltration (such as mice, rats, squirrels, and even racoons or bats)
- Mold or milder (from not enough insulation, improperly installed attic insulation, dead airspace or poor ventilation)
- Heavy air infiltration (this can cause the insulation to get very dirty or damaged)
- Old, broken down deteriorated attic insulation
- Terrible odor of mold, mildew, smoke, rodent feces or something else that permeates the home when there is air movement
- Storm damage (roof damage from storms, tree branches, leaking roof, or even tornado damage)
- High energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures in the home
Upon evaluation of the attic environment there are times when we do not recommend attic insulation removal. The most common of these is if the insulation in the attic is clean but the house is not performing well. In this case we can insulate over the existing insulation.
Our Process:
Step 1 – Prep/ Secure/ inspect work area and path to the work area.
We protect your home by using floor coverings and using plastic to protect your surfaces and reduce dust as the traffic is coming in and out of your home. A lead tech will inspect the work area with you and discuss any concerns or extra preparations that are needed to be safe and secure while the work is being done and after.
Step 2 – Insulation Removal
We will remove the existing insulation either by hand or using a gas powered heavy duty insulation removal vacuum that will remain outside and has a long hose that is connected to collection bags outside as well.
Step 3 – Clean the attic
We then vacuum the floor of the attic to remove any dirt and insulation dust leaving the attic floor ready for sensitization.
Step 4 – Sanitize and treat the attic
A EPA sanitizer will then be fogged into the attic to sanitize from any germs or other harmful bacteria that could be left behind from rodent feces.
Step 5 – Clean up
Upon completion of the attic insulation removal, we will then thoroughly clean up and leave the home in as good of shape or better than when we first arrived
Step 6 – Inspect
When our work is done, we will do a walk through with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the quality of our work, and that there has been no damage to your home or belongings.
DIY - How to Remove Attic Insulation on Your Own
How to remove insulation on your own.
Here are some things that you need to know before you remove insulation on your own.
- Locate the joists or trusses and be sure to stay on them as you maneuver around the attic. You may find it easier to carry a couple 4′ x 2′ pieces of plywood around for you to kneel on.
- Use large contractor bags and make sure that you don’t fill them up so the bags cant get out of the attic.
- Use a Tyvek suit that covers your full body to protect your skin and clothing from the tiny glass particles, mold or mildew, and rodent feces. These things can make you sick or affect your health adversely.
- Use a respirator – this will protect your lungs form harmful particles from being breathed in
- Wear gloves
- If the insulation is batt insulation, you can pull up the insulation and fold it up and stuff it in the contractor bags.
- A 1000 sq ft attic will typically have about 40 to 50 large full contractor bags
- If the attic has blown insulation, you can scoop it up with large a large dust pan and put it in the bags, or you can rent an attic insulation removal vacuum and do it much more efficiently. This will require a team of people. The vacuum weighs about 350 pounds so make sure you have a truck or good sized van to pick it up and return it to and from the rental place. Be careful to inspect the attic for obstacles that could be sucked up with the insulation that could damage the fan blades. If you break the vacuum, they are expensive (about 3 to 6000$ to purchase)
- It is recommended to have a trailer or box truck for the bags of debris to be removed to the solid waste facility.
- Try to do the project early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat if you do it in the summertime.
- Do not put your weight on the drywall as it is not strong enough to support your weight and you could fall through the ceiling.
- Inspect the attic floor after the insulation is removed for penetration points such as wires, pipes, and heat runs. Foam around these to seal off air infiltration prior to new insulation being added
- Wash your hands thoroughly upon completion, discard of the Tyvek suits and gloves, and wash your clothes.
- There you have it. Not for everyone, but, for some weekend warriors this could save you about a thousand to two thousand dollars
