Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

Remove attic insulation from a 2000 sq ft house.

Removing floating insulation from attic.

Make sure you have long sleeves goggles and paper masks before you begin the attic insulation removal. Rent a powerful hepa filter insulation removal vacuum from an equipment rental yard. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. Place a large tarp wherever you plan to unload the filled garbage bags.

The do it yourself project. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Fiberglass blown in insulation can be white like puffy white cotton balls yellow or pink.

Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation. Roll up each piece of insulation by hand place collected insulation into waste bag. Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way. Removing or relocating insulation in an attic is hot dirty work.

If you want to reuse loose fill insulation relocating it in the space and moving it back after other work is completed can be a better option. It s best to start at the farthest corner of your attic and roll up the batts or fold them over as you roll. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Climb into the attic begin removal.

With these in place you ll be able to walk around the attic while removing the insulation. To maneuver around the attic safely lay large planks at least 6 inches wide across the joists. Approximately 2500 over contractor estimate for removal. Loose fill insulation can be vacuumed out but this used insulation can t be blown back in without risk of damage to the machine.

Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor. If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum.