Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way.

Removing floating insulation from attic. The do it yourself project. Roll up each piece of insulation by hand place collected insulation into waste bag. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s.

For walkthrough areas place a sheet of plastic over the opening and secure with tape. 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. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.

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. To maneuver around the attic safely lay large planks at least 6 inches wide across the joists. If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum. Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation.

Rent a powerful hepa filter insulation removal vacuum from an equipment rental yard. Climb into the attic begin removal. Approximately 2500 over contractor estimate for removal. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor.

With these in place you ll be able to walk around the attic while removing the insulation. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. Fiberglass blown in insulation can be white like puffy white cotton balls yellow or pink.

Start the commercial vacuum a helper will be required to monitor the vacuum while in operation. Remove attic insulation from a 2000 sq ft house. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. Make sure you have long sleeves goggles and paper masks before you begin the attic insulation removal.