Old Insulation Removal in Sweetwater, TX

Old insulation removal makes sense when the material in the attic is wet, stained, packed flat, full of rodent nests or left in patches after years of work in the attic. In Sweetwater attics we also find insulation darkened by dust that blew in through gaps for years. Adding new insulation over that hides the problem. Removing it lets us clean and seal the attic properly.

Signs it should come out

• Wet, stained or musty insulation
• Rodent droppings, nests or tunnels
• Smoke or water damage
• Material compressed below the tops of the joists
• Patchy coverage after years of service work
• Vermiculite, which has to be tested before it is disturbed

How we remove it

A high-powered vacuum runs a hose from the attic to a bag outside, so old insulation leaves without going through the rooms. We cover floors and the path to the attic, then clean up debris once the insulation is out.

The sealing opportunity

A bare attic floor is the easiest time to seal every gap in the ceiling, because nothing hides them. We seal top plates, chases, lights, wiring holes and the hatch before new insulation goes in.

Vermiculite

If we find vermiculite, we stop and recommend testing. Some vermiculite contains asbestos, and removing it is a job for a licensed abatement contractor. HomeAdvisor lists asbestos removal at $1,190 to $3,255.

Spray foam removal

Foam has to be cut or scraped off, which is slower and costs more per square foot than loose fill. We quote it only after seeing it.

Re-insulating

After cleanup and sealing, we install new insulation, usually blown-in to R-38 or R-49, or foam on the roof deck where that suits the house. If rodents were the problem, talk to a pest control company about entry points first.

Not sure whether to remove or top up? We will look and tell you. Get a free estimate