Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed.

Removing floating insulation from attic.

The do it yourself project. Loose fill insulation can be vacuumed out but this used insulation can t be blown back in without risk of damage to the machine. Remove attic insulation from a 2000 sq ft house. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag.

Place a large tarp wherever you plan to unload the filled garbage bags. 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. It s best to start at the farthest corner of your attic and roll up the batts or fold them over as you roll. Climb into the attic begin removal.

Roll up each piece of insulation by hand place collected insulation into waste bag. 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. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. Approximately 2500 over contractor estimate for removal.

When used as insulation vermiculite tends to be pebblelike and light brown poured loose between an attic s floor joists. To maneuver around the attic safely lay large planks at least 6 inches wide across the joists. Make sure you have long sleeves goggles and paper masks before you begin the attic insulation removal. If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum.

For walkthrough areas place a sheet of plastic over the opening and secure with tape. Start the commercial vacuum a helper will be required to monitor the vacuum while in operation. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner.

Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor. Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation. Removing or relocating insulation in an attic is hot dirty work.