Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

Rent a powerful hepa filter insulation removal vacuum from an equipment rental yard.

Removing floating insulation from attic.

It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. 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. For walkthrough areas place a sheet of plastic over the opening and secure with tape. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed.

Fiberglass blown in insulation can be white like puffy white cotton balls yellow or pink. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. The do it yourself project. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag.

Removing or relocating insulation in an attic is hot dirty work. To maneuver around the attic safely lay large planks at least 6 inches wide across the joists. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor. Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way.

Approximately 2500 over contractor estimate for removal. Place a large tarp wherever you plan to unload the filled garbage bags. Start the commercial vacuum a helper will be required to monitor the vacuum while in operation. 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.

Make sure you have long sleeves goggles and paper masks before you begin the attic insulation removal. Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation. If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum. Loose fill insulation can be vacuumed out but this used insulation can t be blown back in without risk of damage to the machine.

With these in place you ll be able to walk around the attic while removing the insulation. It s best to start at the farthest corner of your attic and roll up the batts or fold them over as you roll. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Climb into the attic begin removal.