Is It Hard to Remove Attic Insulation?
Insulation is something that most homeowners will need to replace at some point. It can become damaged for various reasons, including mold problems, water damage, and wildlife infestations.
When that happens, insulation needs to be replaced quickly. This is where a professional can help. Here are a few reasons why you should consider attic insulation removal Houston professionals.
It’s Not Easy
Whether your old cellulose or fiberglass insulation is just not doing its job or you’re finishing your attic space, it’s important to hire professionals. This is not a DIY project and it’s much harder than it looks.
The wrong equipment can lead to a mess, health issues, or damage to your roof and attic space. Plus, if you do the project wrong, your new insulation won’t work properly.
One of the most common reasons for replacing attic insulation is mold problems. This can be caused by a variety of things including rodents, a leaking roof or water damage. It can also be a sign that the attic is not ventilated correctly and the old insulation has become damp.
In order to eliminate mold, blown in insulation must be removed. This can be a messy and time-consuming process. It’s important to wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection and a dust mask. The fine glass fibers of fiberglass can be irritating to the skin and eyes, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
It’s also a good idea to take breaks every 15-20 minutes in order to avoid becoming too hot and claustrophobic. Then, the old insulation must be disposed of safely. It’s important to check with your local waste disposal company to see where you can take it and if there are any restrictions on what kind of material can be taken.
If you decide to do the cleanup yourself, it’s a good idea to cover your floor and walls with plastic sheeting or drop cloths in order to keep the mess to a minimum. You’ll also want to bring a large vaccum that can handle a lot of material and is rated HEPA-filter rated.
Once the old insulation has been removed, it must be disposed of in a trash can or dumpster. It is recommended to contact a local waste management company, such as Recycle Now! to find out how to dispose of different types of insulation. The company will also be able to tell you where the local recycling centers are located so that you can recycle your old insulation once it’s been removed.
It’s Not Safe
The toxins that are released when fiberglass is removed can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. This is why it’s important to have proper safety gear and take breaks throughout the job. It also helps to wear a dust mask and gloves. If your skin comes into contact with the material, you will experience a sharp, stinging sensation that can be irritating. It’s best to not rub the area; rinsing it off is more effective.
When you’re finished with the job, you need to dispose of the insulation properly. If you don’t, it could become a health issue for your family. The best way to get rid of blown in cellulose or fiberglass insulation is to bring it to a recycling facility that accepts this type of waste. You may have to pay a fee for the disposal of the material, though.
Whether your attic insulation is old or just not as effective as it once was, you need to replace it. This is especially true if you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been rising recently. A new attic insulation will help reduce the heat and cold that escapes through the roof.
Other common reasons homeowners replace their attic insulation include water damage in the attic and rodent infestations. These problems can contaminate the insulation with toxins and lead to mold issues in the home.
Insulation can be expensive to replace, but it’s a necessity for any homeowner who wants to save on their energy bills. You can find insulation that will be within your budget, and many states offer incentives to help offset the cost.
It’s important to choose a reputable company for the job of removing attic insulation. They will have the right equipment and tools to make the process as quick and as safe as possible. They will also know where to dispose of the materials safely so that they don’t end up contaminating your home. They can even help you with other attic renovations, such as finishing the attic space or installing a new attic vent. The professionals can help you save money on your energy bills and improve the overall thermal performance of your home.
It’s Time-Saving
If you’re a homeowner, the idea of saving money on your energy bill by removing your attic insulation may seem appealing. However, there are several factors you should consider before making the decision to do so.
Before beginning your attic insulation removal project, you should gather all of the necessary equipment for the job. This includes a 23 horsepower commercial grade insulation removal vacuum, 150 feet of 4"-10" vacuum hoses, metal hose connectors and industrial sized vacuum bags. You’ll also need a ladder to access your attic, as well as rakes and dustpans. You should also set aside a large dumpster for the disposal of old insulation. Finally, you’ll need to cover any walls and floors where the attic insulation may come into contact with.
When you’re removing batt or blown-in fiberglass, cellulose or spray foam insulation, the work is incredibly messy. Not only does the material clump and fall, but it can often contain harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of properly. For this reason, it’s important to wear protective gear during the process. Rubber-coated gloves protect your hands, while a mask and goggles keep your eyes and lungs safe from the potential dangers of breathing in the materials.
Additionally, if your attic is not properly insulated, it will take longer for hot air to escape from your home. Heat rises, and without a barrier in the attic, the hot air will shoot straight through your roof and out your attic vents. This causes your home to be less energy efficient and can lead to costly damage to the attic floor and ceilings.
Additionally, when you remove your attic insulation, it’s essential to inspect the attic for moisture damage. If mold has grown in your attic and soaked into the insulation, you’ll need to replace it. This is because mold can quickly eat through the material and cause major problems in your home.
It’s Expensive
If you’re planning to replace your attic insulation, it’s important to consider the cost of the work involved. Typically, the price per square foot of attic insulation varies from region to region and based on the type of attic insulation. It is also dependent on the R-value needed, which varies by climate.
For example, fiberglass batt insulation is the least expensive and usually costs about $1 per square foot. On the other hand, blown-in cellulose insulation may cost up to $3 per square foot. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are much more expensive and can cost up to $7 per square foot.
In addition to the cost of attic insulation itself, it’s important to consider the additional cost of labor and materials. For example, you’ll need a ladder and safety equipment like a face mask and eye protection when working in an attic. Additionally, you’ll need a commercial-grade vacuum that runs on a gas-powered engine with a metal hose connector and large waste bags.
Moreover, the process of attic insulation removal can be hazardous. For instance, you’ll need to be on the lookout for contaminated insulation containing mold, mouse droppings, and formaldehyde binders. These toxic substances are harmful to humans and can trigger a variety of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and long-term upper respiratory issues.
Another factor to consider is the cost of disposing of the old insulation. It’s recommended that homeowners contact their local waste management organizations to see if they offer insulation recycling. If not, they’ll need to take their contaminated insulation to a landfill.
For these reasons, we recommend leaving the task of removing attic insulation to the professionals. A professional insulation company will have the proper tools to safely and effectively remove attic insulation while protecting your home from damage, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing the environmental impact. Contact us today for more information on how we can help!
Insulation is something that most homeowners will need to replace at some point. It can become damaged for various reasons, including mold problems, water damage, and wildlife infestations. When that happens, insulation needs to be replaced quickly. This is where a professional can help. Here are a few reasons why you should consider attic insulation removal…