How to remove insulation from attics.
Homeowners tend to overlook the importance and value of proper insulation. Having insulation keeps your homes cooler during hot summer days and warmer during the chilly winter nights. Insulation regulates your indoor temperature to keep your home comfortable all year round.
Insulation is a staple feature in any modern home, protecting you and your family from most weather conditions in the area. On average, insulation will last for two or three decades when well maintained. Like other installations, there will come a time when you need insulation removal and replacement.
While you can remove and replace your insulation, it is still best to leave the work to professionals. Read on to learn more about the insulation removal process, so you can better understand why a DIY job may not be the ideal option.
Assess Your Home and Attic Space
You first need to assess if your home needs insulation replacement in the first place. Common signs to look out for would be water leaks, hot or cold rooms, and an increased level of draftiness. Should you notice any of these signs, you should open up your attic and inspect the insulation to see if it has crumbled or cracked.
If you find that your attic needs insulation removal, the next thing to do is check what type of insulation you have. Generally, the two common types of insulation used in attics are batts and blown-in insulation.
Batts are often considered the easiest of the two materials to fix since they are easier to handle and bag. But blown-in insulation requires a bit more elbow grease and preparation due to the material. It also uses specialized equipment to blow the insulation to the crevices and nooks in your attic.
Clear the Attic from All the Potential Hazards
The next step, which requires a more delicate eye, is to check your attic for all potential hazards. These are the dangerous materials or organisms that affect you and your home’s structural integrity. Many times, your attic may look clean and tidy, but there are already plenty of bacteria and microorganisms lurking underneath.
Here are some of the key hazards you should watch out for when inspecting your attic:
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Mold, Fungi, and House Pests
Attics are excellent nesting grounds for mold, fungi, and other pests. Too, without insulation, your attic is more prone to leaks, which cause water to enter your home and invite mold to grow and linger.
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Asbestos and Other Toxic Elements
Chemicals and toxic elements, such as asbestos, are usually found in older homes. If these harmful toxins and microfauna are in your attic, you must have them tested first before you attempt any removal. These substances are dangerous if touched or inhaled.
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Faulty and Loose Cables and Wires
Another important thing to inspect for is loose or exposed wires. These structural hazards pose a significant threat to anyone moving in a lit attic since they can cause burns or unwanted shocks.
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Damaged, Splintered, or Rusted Structures
Other hazards also include jutting nail heads, rusted support structures, and splintered beams. These can create infections or have a risk for tetanus.
You need to assess your attic for these risks, or you may end up scattering unwanted guests. If you are unsure if your attic is safe enough, it is recommended to contact professionals to inspect your home and provide appropriate recommendations on how to proceed.
Start the Insulation Removal
Once you have prepared the attic, you can begin removing the existing insulation. In most situations, homeowners and professionals use high-powered vacuums that feature above average or large capacities. The powered equipment helps maximize the efficiency of the task and minimizes the chances of leaving behind any unwanted sections of insulation.
Maintaining safety is also a must in the insulation removal process. Standard personal protective gear should include a pair of durable gloves, air-tight goggles, and respirators. Additionally, it is best to wear a safety suit to protect yourself from any skin contact. You will need scaffolding and mobile safe spots for more intricate and unstable attics.
Once you have finished removing your attic insulation, you need to manage and dispose of the waste. Use durable, sealable, and puncture-resistant bags, and ensure none of the insulation gets out before being brought to the proper disposal or recycling areas.
Why You Should Hire Insulation Professionals
There is little to no downside to hiring professionals for insulation removal. While assessing and checking up on your attic may sound doable, clearing the hazards and removing your insulation is much more challenging to do on your own.
You will save yourself from many potential risks by hiring a team of skilled workers. Professionals have the necessary skills and techniques to complete the task in less than half the time, so you save time, money, and resources. On top of that, you and your family can stay safe.
Remove Attic Insulation with Professionals You Can Trust
You can rely on our team to assess your homes and provide you with high-quality insulation services to keep your home comfortable. We can remove and replace your insulation in no time at all. Call Joe Blows Insulation today, at 727-656-9785, for any questions or concerns and to schedule a free consultation.