Insulation, particularly cellulose insulation and fiberglass batt insulation, is one of the most effective ways to save on electricity bills, especially in winter. The insulation must be in good condition and evenly distributed to ensure it’s energy efficient.
It’s also crucial to ensure that the insulation, especially blown-in insulation, is no older than 10 years. Sometimes, you need to redo the insulation in the house. This is how to remove old insulation from the attic and why you should do it.
Why Should I Remove My Old Attic Insulation?
When moving to a new house, you want to ensure the insulation is in good condition. Especially if the house has been vacant for longer than 3 years, some factors concern old insulation. Even though materials like spray foam insulation get better after setting, you might need to remove them if you want to add a new insulation material.
Even though removing old insulation from the attic could take some time, it is necessary. Old insulation can be a nest to all kinds of insects and unwanted microorganisms. Not to mention the possible existence of mol.
Not only is it bad for the insulation property, but it could also add to health problems since the insulation is the one thing that shields the house. It is also a concern for the house structure. A damp insulation could affect the house structure and trigger a much bigger problem.
How to Remove Old Insulation from Attic: Step-by-step
The first step in removing old insulation, whether cellulose insulation, fiberglass batt insulation, or blown-in insulation, from attic spaces is to clear the area. Ensure your attic, particularly the attic access, is free from belongings before beginning this DIY project.
Other things that are worth mentioning are asbestos and mold. Both could cause serious health problems, especially if you try to remove the old insulation yourself.
Read also: How Thick Should Attic Insulation Be
If your house was built between 1039 and 1950, there’s a chance that asbestos might be present. In that case, you would invite professionals before removing old insulation from the attic. You could also buy an asbestos test kit to be safe.
Asbestos is a toxic material; therefore, removing old insulation must be done carefully. Even the disposal process should be highly controlled to minimize the risk of asbestos poisoning. Mold is also worth checking because it can also cause respiratory problems.
Then you can remove the old insulation. You must work inward if the old insulation is in the shape of a batt. It starts rolling from the outer part towards the middle.
For types of insulation like blow-in, use a commercial-grade insulation removal vacuum with a HEPA filter to minimize dust. This method is essential to maintain air quality during the attic insulation removal.
Read also: Do Interior Walls Need Insulation?
Between the rolled insulation and blown-in, the main concern is the R-value of the product. The higher it is, the possibility exists that the materials are thicker and, therefore, harder to handle.
Old Insulation Removal Process Tips
Prepare the safety equipment before removing old insulation. You will need goggles to protect your eyes from the flying dust and protective clothing, preferably industry-certified clothing. You will also need a respirator.
The mask will work too, but ensure it keeps you from inhaling the old insulation dust. You can also wear gloves before the old insulation removal process.
As for the disposal process, hiring a professional to remove and dispose of the old insulation, especially if it’s blown-in or fiberglass batt insulation, is advisable. These materials can be hazardous if not handled properly.
Read also: How to Keep a Poorly Insulated House Warm
Be aware of potential water damage in the insulation, which can complicate removal. Using heavy-duty equipment like a shop vac and garbage or trash bags is crucial for efficient removal. The attic insulation removal cost can vary, but proper equipment ensures a smoother process. Always check for hazards like mold, which can affect structure and health.
That is how to remove old insulation from attic. Make sure that you do every step with high caution. It is better to remove the old one to eliminate any underlying problems before installing a new one.
