Insulation Removal Houston is a project that requires the right equipment, tools and know-how. Older insulation can contain harmful materials like asbestos or rodent waste.
It’s always best to hire a professional team for this task. Take breaks every 15 minutes, and wear a dust mask when working with cellulose. Have large garbage bags on hand to collect waste.
Safety
Insulation is a great way to improve your home’s or attic’s efficiency and comfort. Over time, however, insulation can become worn and ineffective. This is why it is recommended that homeowners get their insulation removed and replaced at least once every decade or so. Putting this task off can result in more costly repairs or utility bills down the line.
A professional will have a range of tools and equipment to remove old insulation quickly, efficiently and safely. They will also know how to dispose of the material in an environmentally friendly manner. Attempting to tackle the job on your own will likely take significantly more time and may even be dangerous.
Before the removal process, it is important to cover any furniture and other objects that you don’t want to get dusty or covered in fiberglass particles. Then, put on rubber-coated gloves, a face mask and protective eyewear. A large trash bag is also a good idea to capture the materials as you go.
When working in the attic, make sure to walk on joists and beams and not the loose insulation. The latter can easily fall and crush you if you step on it. In addition, stepping on the insulation could cause it to shift and allow warm or cold air into your home through the attic.
Moisture and rodents are common causes of insulation deterioration and can lead to mold and mildew. These issues are a major reason why many homes require insulation replacement.
The best way to remove blown-in insulation is by using a vacuum. This will not only save time but it will also prevent the release of airborne toxins into your home during the removal process. A reputable insulation company will use their own large, high-powered machines with a large, sealed-off attic workspace and a separate hose for the disposal of the old material.
An experienced team of professionals from Alliance can remove your attic insulation and replace it with new cellulose or fiberglass material. They will also inspect your attic space to identify any other areas of concern and recommend any needed home repair services.
Health
Insulation is designed to reduce heat loss in homes by blocking the flow of thermal energy. It does this by using three mechanisms: conduction, convection and radiation. If one of these mechanisms is disrupted it can significantly affect your health and lead to an uncomfortable home environment.
When old insulation becomes soiled it is an ideal breeding ground for pests and mold. The insulation will absorb odors and moisture from the air which can lead to the growth of bacteria, yeast and mildew. The mold spores can become airborne and if inhaled can cause breathing issues, sinus infections, itchy eyes and nose, chronic fatigue and other health problems. Mold spores are very dangerous when inhaled by children and elderly people.
Wet or soiled insulation can also be a habitat for rodents such as rats and mice. Rodents leave behind droppings that contain diseases and germs that can spread to the surfaces of your house. The disease-causing bacteria can be spread through the HVAC system to every room of your house. The odors from the feces can also become airborne and can cause unpleasant odors throughout your home.
Insulation can be contaminated with rodent urine and feces, as well as a variety of other contaminants. If the insulation gets wet from a leaky roof or rain, it will not only lose its effectiveness but can lead to mold and mildew. The water can also rot the wood boards that your attic or crawl space is attached to and can lead to structural damage.
Replacing soiled or moldy insulation can significantly improve your indoor air quality. Getting rid of the contaminants will also help to protect your home from pest infestations, diseases, mold and mildew, respiratory illnesses, wood rot and structural damage.
It is important to hire a professional for insulation removal rather than attempt to do it yourself. The process can be messy and you can end up causing more damage to your attic or crawl space than you would have if you left it alone. An experienced Comfort 1st technician will remove the soiled insulation by using an insulation vacuum and sterilize the area with a chemical cleaner. They will then perform a thorough inspection of your attic or crawl space and make any necessary repairs.
Indoor Air Quality
Old insulation often becomes a home for rodent droppings, urine, and carcasses that can affect the air quality in your home. When these contaminants come in contact with water, they can be spread through the walls and other surfaces, and they will contaminate the surrounding areas.
Mold and mildew spores will also make their way into your living spaces, which can cause breathing problems for everyone in your household. It is important to replace old insulation with new, contaminated free, fiberglass or cellulose.
When you replace your old insulation, you can also seal the gaps in your attic and other places where air is leaking into the living spaces of your home. This will not only save on your energy bills, but it will make for healthier living.
Good indoor air quality is the foundation of a healthy life, and it is something that can be easily compromised. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to a host of health issues, including chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, lung infections and cancers.
Signs of poor indoor air quality include headaches, sneezing and coughing, fatigue and sinus irritation. Some more serious health concerns that can result from poor air quality are digestive issues, respiratory diseases and asthma attacks.
Before you start working in your attic, cover all furniture and floor coverings to prevent the spread of fiberglass particles. It is a wise idea to use plastic sheets for this purpose. You will also need to place a large heavy-duty garbage bag in the attic for collecting any discarded insulation material.
Then, once you are finished with the attic work, you can remove the large bag and move the insulation debris to a dumpster for disposal. It is important to find a recycling or waste management facility that accepts this type of insulation to ensure that the fiberglass and cellulose materials are reused rather than disposed of in a landfill. If you have questions about this issue, consult your local environmental department or recycling facility. This is a simple step that will improve your home’s indoor air quality and help to preserve the environment for generations to come.
Mold
Mold spores typically travel through the air, settling on any surface that offers it moisture, warmth and organic material to feed on. While most molds are harmless to the health of ordinary people, some – such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Cladosporium – produce allergens and toxins that can cause a variety of symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, coughing and rashes. Mold spores can also trigger asthma in sensitive individuals.
The most common reason homeowners need to remove their old insulation is due to a mold problem. As with any porous surface, if there is water present in the insulation (either from a minor roof leak that has gone unchecked or from condensation), it will quickly attract mold spores and grow into a visible mass. This can significantly deteriorate the quality of the attic sheathing, and should be addressed immediately to avoid additional problems.
If there is a significant mold presence in the attic, removing and replacing it will likely be necessary to prevent further problems in the rest of the home. If this is the case, a professional mold remediation specialist can help with the cleanup and restoration of healthy indoor air quality.
Often times when the insulation is removed, there will be a large amount of dust and debris that needs to be swept up and disposed of properly. The insulation will also need to be thoroughly inspected for signs of damage such as rot or moisture issues that need to be addressed before the attic can be used again.
For the best results, it is recommended to partner with a local insulation company that can provide comprehensive solutions such as attic insulation removal, energy conservation services and whole house fan installations in Fort Collins, CO and surrounding areas. These experts can also perform a thorough mold inspection and address any indoor air quality concerns that may arise. They can also recommend other upgrades that can improve your homes energy efficiency and comfort. To learn more about our insulation services or to schedule an inspection, contact us today. We look forward to serving you!
