Whether your blown-in fiberglass Insulation Removal is moldy or simply ineffective, it’s time to replace it. But before you start tearing down your attic walls, consider calling in a professional if the wall cavities and drywall are covered with significant amounts of lead-based paint or mold. These companies are licensed and trained in performing safe, lead-free and mold-free drywall removal and painting.

If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you have adequate safety gear. Rubber-coated gloves, a mask or respirator and goggles are required to protect your hands from hazardous chemicals in the insulation and to help prevent mold and dust from entering your lungs during removal and installation. Full-body jumpsuits are also recommended, but may be too hot in an attic to wear for long periods of time.

Breathe New Life into Your Home: The Ins and Outs of Insulation Removal

To remove loose-fill insulation, begin by blocking off rooms and opening the attic door with plastic sheeting. If you have attic access, climb into the attic and begin to roll up the insulation batts into large garbage bags, leaving a space between each row of rafters. Continue rolling the insulation up until you reach the attic door, which can take five to eight hours based on the size of your attic.

When you reach the attic doorway, hang a bag over it to keep any insulation from blowing into the house. Call your local waste management company to learn more about how to safely dispose of the old insulation. In many areas, old blown-in insulation can be recycled and used to make new insulation.