Insulation Removal & Replacement in Worcester, MA

Insulation removal and replacement makes sense when the material in the attic or crawl space is doing more harm than good. Insulation that got soaked by a roof leak, packed down by years of storage, or fouled by mice and squirrels does not insulate well, and it hides the gaps that need air sealing. Removing it gives a clean surface to seal and a fresh start for new insulation.

How removal works

For loose fill, we use a high-powered vacuum that pulls material through a hose into bags or a truck outside, so it never travels through your living space. Batts are bagged by hand. Once the attic floor is clear, we seal the top plates, wiring holes, stacks and chases, then install new insulation to the depth you choose.

Vermiculite

Some older Massachusetts homes have vermiculite in the attic, a pebbly gray-brown or gold fill. Some vermiculite contains asbestos. It should be tested before anyone disturbs it, and if it contains asbestos, removal is a job for a licensed abatement contractor. Boston's guidance on insulation barriers notes that asbestos in certain parts of a home has to be removed before insulation work goes ahead. We point it out if we see it and do not disturb it.

Spray foam removal

Old or badly installed spray foam sometimes has to come out, for example when it was sprayed over a leak or applied too thick. Removing foam is slow work done by scraping and cutting. HomeGuide lists foam removal at $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, and Fixr puts hand-chipped removal as high as about $5.

After a buyer's inspection

Many removal jobs start with a home inspection that found wet, moldy or rodent-damaged insulation. We give you a written scope and price that the buyer or seller can use in negotiations, and we explain what caused the problem so it does not come back.