Read This Before You Insulate Your Attic

Over time, attic insulation can get damaged by things like water damage and rodent infestations. In order to prevent further damage and prevent it from spreading, the insulation must be removed. Wet insulation can lead to mold that can negatively affect other areas of your home, while rodent droppings can contaminate the area and breed unhealthy bacteria. Read on to learn about what to do when removing attic insulation.

1. Check for Asbestos – If your home was built from the 1930s-1950s, there is a chance that the insulation you are about to remove could have traces of asbestos. When inhaled, even minimally, asbestos can have deadly side effects. Check to see if your insulation has asbestos by purchasing a home testing kit from your local home improvement or hardware store. If the test is positive for asbestos, call a professional ro remove it. You should never attempt to clear away any insulation with asbestos in it on your own in order to protect your health.
2. Look for mold or rodent infestation – If you find water damage that has lead to mold or any signs that animals have been in the area, it is important to contact a professional. Depending on the type of mold and how much it has spread, it can be extremely poisonous to handle on your own. Rodent infestations can also expose you to dangerous biohazardous materials, including carcasses and animal droppings. Professionals have an assortment of tools that are made to safely deal with these issues, so it is best not to handle them on your own.
3. Insulation Removal – Removing any type of insulation, whether it is blown-in, batts or blankets, is a serious job. You will need to make sure you have the proper equipment before starting to ensure safe removal. If you are attempting to remove blown-in insulation, you will likely need to rent a vacuum that is large and powerful enough to properly remove all of the insulation. In addition, it is important to wear goggles, gloves, clothing that covers your entire body and a dust mask so that you are protected against any airborne particles. Once you are finished removing all insulation from the area, empty it into large, heavy duty trash bags and seal that completely to prevent any debris from escaping into your home.

Ultimately, removal of attic insulation is something the pros handle best. We have the right equipment and can ensure it is done in the safest and most efficient way possible. If you have attic insulation that needs to be removed from your home, call us today and schedule an appointment.