Insulation Removal & Replacement in Levittown, PA

Insulation removal and replacement makes sense when the material in the attic is causing problems instead of solving them. In houses that have been lived in since the 1950s, we regularly find insulation flattened by storage, soaked by old roof leaks, or soiled by mice, squirrels or raccoons. Laying new insulation over that only traps the problem. Removing it gives a clean ceiling to air seal properly, then a fresh layer to full depth.

Signs it should come out

Water stains or a musty smell in the attic. Droppings, nests or tunnels through the insulation. Insulation that has been compressed to a fraction of its depth by stored boxes or foot traffic. Material that is dark from dust, which often points to air leaking through it. And any remodel where the attic floor needs to be open for wiring, fans or new fixtures.

How removal works

We use a high-powered insulation vacuum that pulls loose fill and debris out through a hose to bags or a container outside, so it does not travel through the house. Batts are bagged by hand. HomeAdvisor lists removal at $1 to $2 per square foot, with a typical job around $600 to $1,200, and about $1,852 on average for removal plus replacement.

Vermiculite and asbestos

Some older attics hold vermiculite, a pebbly, grey-brown or gold loose fill. Some vermiculite contains asbestos. We do not disturb it. If we see it, we stop and recommend testing, and any removal is done by a licensed abatement contractor. HomeAdvisor lists asbestos removal at $1,190 to $3,255.

Removing spray foam

Old or poorly installed spray foam sometimes has to come out too, for example during a roof repair or when it was sprayed over a leak. It must be cut or scraped off by hand and costs more to remove than loose fill: HomeGuide lists $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, and Fixr up to about $5 when it has to be chipped off.

Then reinsulate

With the attic empty, we seal every gap in the ceiling, add baffles, and install new insulation to the depth ENERGY STAR recommends for zone 4A. The result usually performs far better than simply topping up the old layer.

Think your attic needs a fresh start? Get a free estimate