Removing Floating Insulation From Attic

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.

Removing floating insulation from attic.

If the attic is not large enough for a person to move around try tying a rope to the vacuum. Climb into the attic begin removal. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s.

Respirator masks for vermiculite removal vermiculite is a natural mineral that expands into lightweight fire resistant and absorbent odorless and wormlike forms when heated. Some attic spaces are very small and tight finding creative ways to maneuver the vacuum inside the attic will go a long way. Gradually pull the vacuum toward you as it sucks up the insulation. As you work back toward the attic access point drop the rolled insulation in a large garbage bag.

Loose fill insulation can be vacuumed out but this used insulation can t be blown back in without risk of damage to the machine. It s best to start at the farthest corner of your attic and roll up the batts or fold them over as you roll. Use the commercial vacuum hose to clean the attic floor. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

Remove attic insulation from a 2000 sq ft house. To maneuver around the attic safely lay large planks at least 6 inches wide across the joists. When used as insulation vermiculite tends to be pebblelike and light brown poured loose between an attic s floor joists. With these in place you ll be able to walk around the attic while removing the insulation.

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. The do it yourself project. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed.

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. Roll up each piece of insulation by hand place collected insulation into waste bag. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner.