How Do You Remove Old Attic Insulation?
If you’re fully renovating your attic or just trying to modernize a bit, you might be wondering how to approach attic insulation removal. There are plenty of things to think about when it comes to removing and replacing the insulation in your attic, including protective gear, equipment required for the job, the different types of insulation and their removal processes, cleanup, and expert services that can provide you with some help. Let’s take a dive into the top things you need to know about attic insulation removal and the steps you can take.
Protective Equipment
If you’re considering performing attic insulation removal, you should first make sure that you have all of the proper personal protective equipment. This is crucial for the safety of yourself and anyone working with you. Make sure you have protective gear, such as rubber gloves, a headlight to allow you full access to your hands, safety goggles with anti-fog properties, a 95-rated industrial mask, as well as well-fitting coveralls that shield your entire body from the irritants that are found in insulation. Attic insulation removal is a job that comes with many biohazards, including threats to your lungs, skin, and eyes, which means that you absolutely should not undertake an insulation removal job without the appropriate protective gear or safety training.
Tools for the Job
Attic insulation removal also requires various tools and equipment in order to complete the job successfully, and you’ll need to have access to and the knowledge to operate the right equipment in order to attempt removing attic insulation yourself. Some of the tools and equipment required can include a commercial-quality insulation removal vacuum along with its gas, vacuum bags, hoses, floor and wall coverings, a 10ft metal ladder, a dumpster bin or truck, a Shop-Vac with HEPA filters, and more. If you don’t already own and know how to use most of these, it will likely be a better investment to hire a professional attic insulation removal team.
Batting Insulation Removal
Batting-Insulation removal is a delicate process that must be done by hand. Batting insulation must be carefully rolled out and put inside insulation removal bags, the remains must be vacuumed with an insulation removal vacuum or specialized Shop-Vac, and everything must be disposed of in a safe, legal manner at the appropriate facilities. Most amateurs are not equipped or trained enough to complete this attic insulation removal process on their own, and they all benefit from hiring a professional service.
Blown-In Insulation Removal
The other main type of insulation you may encounter is blown-in insulation. This attic insulation removal process typically involves using specialized commercial vacuums and their long hoses to vacuum up any insulation, debris, or other biohazards before transferring them into the insulation waste bags so they can be disposed of. This type of insulation includes fiberglass, rockwool, and cellulose, and it should be given extensive safety precautions.
Cleanup
Insulation can prove a serious biohazard, and you don’t want to deal with health consequences for yourself or your family if attic insulation removal leaves a mess behind. Cleanup is an essential component of attic insulation removal, and it should eliminate every trace of the old insulation through vacuuming and decontamination of the space.
Professional Services
The process of attic insulation removal is an intensive and complicated process, which most individuals don’t have the experience, training, or budget to accomplish on their own. Hiring a professional service ensures that your old attic insulation is removed effectively, efficiently, and at a much lower cost than investing in tons of equipment you’ll never use again. With a professional attic insulation removal service, you can rest assured that the job will be done properly, with no risk to your health and wellbeing.
Overall, removing and replacing your attic insulation can seem overwhelming, but while there’s definitely a lot to think about concerning attic insulation removal, the process doesn’t have to be painful. It’s crucial to understand the protective gear, job equipment, insulation types and their requirements, and cleanup necessities before you consider undertaking an insulation project on your own, and it’s vital to recognize the benefits that a professional attic insulation removal service could afford you. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, or just want the peace of mind that everything will be done with an expert hand, hiring a professional insulation company is always your best bet.