Removing old fiberglass insulation is impossible but is a daunting task. Always keep the safety of yourself and your partners. The attic is one of the most common places that a homeowner would like to remove old insulation. This is because not many homeowners have seen their very own attic. Since this is the most dangerous part of your house to remove old insulation, this is what we will talk about.
Tools:
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection- anti-fog coating
- Mask-rated for attic insulation work
- Hooded coveralls
- Flashlight/ headlight
Equipment and supplies for attic insulation removal:
This can be different depending on the insulation that is being removed. With blown cellulose insulation you will need a 23-horsepower insulation removal vacuum, 150 feet 4-10 inch vacuum hoses and vacuum bags, 6-10ft ladder, floor and wall covering, trash/dumpster, shop vac, waste bags (50 gals), and rakes and dustpan. For fiberglass batt insulation removal, you need everything for the cellulose insulation removal except the rakes and dustpans.
Now it is time to get started on the insulation removal. The types of insulation previously stated are very similar when removing. The only different thing is when the Cellulose needs to be collected and put into waste bags, they would use a rake and dustpan to do so, and with the fiberglass, the commercial vacuum would be used.
Steps on how to remove insulation from an attic:
1) Get all of your equipment put together. Lay everything outside the house and check off the things that you have. get the missing items.
2) Prepare the house for insulation removal. You should have a clear path to the attic where your tools and supplies lie. Cover everything in that line from the attic to outside in protective covering. Set up a ladder to the attic.
3) Have the commercial vacuum ready and the hose accessing the attic.
4) Place the shop vac and waste bags inside the attic.
5) Put on your overalls, eye gear, mask, and rubber gloves. Head into the attic and prepare for the start.
6) Removing fiberglass: roll up insulation and place it in the bag. Removing Blown Cellulose: use the commercial vac to remove all the insulation off the walls and attic floor.
7) Now, removing fiberglass is now time to use the vacuum and clean the floors and walls.
8) Place all the waste bags into the dumpster when finished.
9) Clean up all the tools from the attic and outside. As well as the protective layer.
10) Make sure that you take breaks when you start to feel extremely hot, tired, or every 15 minutes.
Now, this can be a long process what the good part is that you can hire a professional to get it done. With this, you can use this link to find insulation contractors near you or to find insulation companies in Virginia Beach.