Old Insulation Removal in Lancaster, PA

Old insulation removal is the right call when what is in the attic is doing more harm than good. In a county with houses from the 1700s onward, we often find attics with several layers from different decades, insulation soaked by old roof leaks, nests and droppings from mice, squirrels or raccoons, or batts crushed flat under stored boxes. Putting new insulation over that buries problems and blocks the air sealing underneath.

Signs it should come out

Water stains, mold or a musty smell. Droppings, tunnels or nesting material. Insulation compressed to a few inches. Dark, dirty patches that show air has been filtering through. Or a remodel that needs the attic floor open for wiring and fixtures.

How we remove it

A high-powered insulation vacuum pulls loose fill and debris through a hose to bags or a container outside, so it never comes through the house. Batts are bagged by hand. HomeAdvisor lists removal at $1 to $2 per square foot, typically $600 to $1,200, and about $1,852 on average including new insulation.

Vermiculite

Some old attics contain vermiculite, a gold or grey-brown pebbly fill that may contain asbestos. We do not disturb it. If we see it, we stop and recommend testing; removal of asbestos-containing material is done by a licensed abatement contractor. HomeAdvisor lists asbestos removal at $1,190 to $3,255.

Removing spray foam

Foam that was sprayed over a leak or applied badly sometimes must come off, often during a roof replacement. It is cut and scraped by hand, which costs more: HomeGuide lists $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot and Fixr up to about $5 when it has to be chipped.

Refill and seal

With the attic empty, every bypass is easy to reach. We seal the ceiling, install baffles and add new insulation to the zone 5 depth ENERGY STAR recommends. An emptied and resealed attic usually performs much better than an old one topped up.

Think your attic needs a clean-out? Get a free estimate