Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

Approximately 2500 over contractor estimate for removal.

Removing floating insulation from attic.

The do it yourself project. It s best to start at the farthest corner of your attic and roll up the batts or fold them over as you roll. When used as insulation vermiculite tends to be pebblelike and light brown poured loose between an attic s floor joists. Make sure you have long sleeves goggles and paper masks before you begin the attic insulation removal.

Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag. 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.

You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. Removing or relocating insulation in an attic is hot dirty work.

Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation. Remove attic insulation from a 2000 sq ft house. Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way.

Climb into the attic begin removal. Start the commercial vacuum a helper will be required to monitor the vacuum while in operation. For walkthrough areas place a sheet of plastic over the opening and secure with tape. Roll up each piece of insulation by hand place collected insulation into waste bag.

If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. 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. Loose fill insulation can be vacuumed out but this used insulation can t be blown back in without risk of damage to the machine.