Attic insulation removal is by no means an easy job, requiring masses of time, equipment, and technique in order to properly remove your attic insulation. Unfortunately, homeowners frequently have to deal with old insulation removal, largely due to their homes being affected by things such as water damage and rodent infestations. When it comes down to how to remove insulation from an attic, there is alas no easy method! Nonetheless, it is very important, as water damage in your attic can cause mold and bacteria (in addition to the obvious damage) while a rodent infestation can cause obvious problems with pests which can spread disease and also cause structural problems by gnawing on the wood in your attic.
If you’re wondering how to remove insulation from an attic, you first need to prepare the insulation itself. Attic insulation removal first requires that you ascertain whether your old attic insulation has any traces of asbestos in it, which is especially more likely if you live in a relatively old building. If your home contains insulation which was made between 1930 and 1950, you may be at risk of asbestos. Although it’s unlikely that your home has insulation in it which dates back this far, stranger things have certainly happened.
Whether you’re removing blown-in insulation from an attic or simply removing old insulation from an attic, be sure to buy an asbestos testing kit from a hardware store, which are readily available for purchase. If your test finds that asbestos is indeed present in your old insulation, you need to hire a professional attic insulation removal team to for the job, as removing blown-in insulation from an attic which is contaminated with asbestos is incredibly dangerous, necessitating the proper training, equipment, and know-how.
Once again, upon your inspection, if you notice any signs of attic water damage, attic mold, or an attic rodent infestation, you also need to contact a professional attic insulation removal company. Although old insulation removal can be relatively simple, removing your attic insulation can be complicated by these dangerous matters, and it is always best to let the professional attic insulation removal teams handle it when your attic inspection shows signs of trouble. In addition to safety concerns, removing blown-in insulation from an attic is much quicker and more efficient when a professional team handles it, and you don’t need to read tons of research after Googling: “how to remove insulation from attic” and scouring the internet for a reliable source which tells you how to remove insulation from an attic!
If you continue on with your attic insulation removal, you then need to ascertain which kind of attic insulation your home currently has. Removing your old insulation will be very easy if it is “rolls” or “batts” insulation, as this insulation is built in sections and can be simply pulled out rather easily. On the other hand, if you find that your home has cellulose or blown-in insulation, you have a much trickier job on your hands. Removing blown-in insulation from an attic can be done, although blown-in insulation removal is often better left to professional attic insulation removal teams who have the high-end professional equipment required.
So, if you want to remove blown-in insulation, you need to buy a high-powered shop vacuum with a very large capacity. Alternatively, you can also rent specialized HEPA-filter insulation removal equipment from a facility which rents out specialized tools and equipment. Blown-in insulation is loose, which makes it potentially messy and hard to control, so you need to be very careful when sucking it out, as stray airborne particles can lead to breathing problems and dermatitis if you’re not careful. For this reason, it is essential that you wear the recommended protective clothing, goggles, and a high-quality mask or respirator before you begin the process.
If your attic space is a tight squeeze, you may need to find a unique (and flexible) way to reach certain parts of your blown-in insulation with the vacuum. Use caution when vacuuming up the insulation, and use plastic sheets to protect parts of your attic/house if necessary. After the vacuum is full, empty it into large heavy-duty trash bags and ensure that they are sealed very tightly, perhaps double-bagging for extra protection. After removing blown-in insulation from an attic, you must find a trash center or recycling plant which will take it off your hands. Sometimes you can also donate your old insulation to an insulation manufacturer, who will recycle it into new insulation at a later date. This only tends to apply to blown-in insulation, however, as cellulose insulation cannot usually be recycled. Be sure to do some research and see what disposal options are available to you in your local area.
If you find yourself struggling at any point, don’t hesitate to call a professional attic insulation removal team such as Attic Insulation Labs, who will be able to help you with any aspect of old insulation removal and cleaning. If you need help, contact Attic Insulation Labs today and speak to a member of our dedicated team!
