Tools and Materials
Safety First
Most insulation is made up of fiberglass, which consists of
extremely fine glass fibers. When removing the fiberglass, the dust from the
insulation can linger in the air, come in contact with your skin and eyes, and
be inhaled. This is extremely hazardous. Safety is key, so take on this project
only with safety gear and precautions.
- Fiberglass dust forms when you cut or handle fiberglass. It can be exposed to the skin and breathed in. Wear safety glasses with side shields, gloves and dust masks.
- Wear old or disposable clothing. Ensure you wear long pants, shirts with long sleeves and boots. Covering yourself as much as possible will reduce skin contact and potential irritation.
- Try to work in a well-ventilated area and take breaks if needed.
- Avoid having smoke or flames around you and turn off any electrical appliances.
High levels of airborne fiberglass can aggravate lung conditions. If you suffer from an underlying lung condition, it’s advisable to limit contact with fiberglass. Only proceed with proper respiratory gear.
Disposing of your fiberglass properly is crucial. Before starting your project, talk to your local waste management department to understand the procedures.
Prep Work
Remove all items or furniture from the space you’ll work in. With a zippered plastic sheet, seal the room so that no fiberglass can get into other parts of your home. Depending on the type of insulation, the tools and equipment you will need may differ:
- Batt and Roll Insulation: You will need a flathead screwdriver to remove the staples that are holding the batts and rolls in place.
- Blown-in Insulation: An insulation vacuum is best to remove blown-in insulation.
How to Remove Batt and Roll Fiberglass Insulation Safely
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pull out the staples that hold the batts in place. Grab a flathead screwdriver that will comfortably fit beneath the crown of the staple. Slide the screwdriver tip under the crown. Apply gentle pressure to the screwdriver handle and rock it back and forth to pry the staple loose from the wall. You may also use the claw end of a hammer for this
- After removing the staples, simply roll out and fold the fiberglass insulation individually. It’s best to start from the farthest corner of the room.
- Discard them in large garbage bags. Talk to your local waste management department to know where you can take them for proper disposal.
How to Remove Loose Fill Fiberglass Insulation Safely
- Use a shovel or a rake to remove this insulation as it is blown into the space. Carefully scoop under the fiberglass and loosen its grip from the surrounding area. Use them carefully so as not to damage the underlying surfaces. Avoid aggressive scraping or pulling that could create dust. Also, avoid pulling or lifting the insulation towards you.
- We recommend using a vacuum specialized for removing loose fill insulation. It’s more effective and saves time and effort.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the vacuum and make sure all parts are secure and fastened in place.
- Position the vacuum hose properly and turn on the power. Guide your fiberglass vacuum cleaner across the surface with slow, overlapping strokes. Pay close attention to crevices and corners where fiberglass can tend to accumulate.
- Since a disposable bag is already attached to the machine, you just need to detach it.
- Cover all areas evenly and make sure that no bits of insulation or dust particles are left behind.
If your vacuum starts struggling to pick up dust,
it likely means the filter is getting clogged. It's best to turn off the vacuum
and empty the garbage bag after each cleaning session with fiberglass,
especially for larger surfaces.
Cleaning Your Space
After successfully removing fiberglass insulation, the last thing you want is for fiberglass bits to spread around your home. Getting rid of every bit of fiberglass is crucial. Use the vacuum on surfaces or in the air to gather any specks that remain suspended. Use a damp cloth to wipe any bits left on surfaces.
Proper Disposal
If fiberglass is not disposed of properly, it can affect your health and harm the environment. To dispose of the fiberglass insulation you’ve removed responsibly, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Use heavy-duty garbage bags for disposal. Make sure that they are good quality and are large enough to accommodate the discarded insulation.
- You may want to tie up the bag and double the bag with another, so no fiberglass particles can escape.
- Always follow your local disposal rules for fiberglass. You may have to take it to a specific disposal site to be recycled.
- Check with your local waste management department for proper disposal procedures.
Installing New Insulation After Removing Insulation
Now that you've learned about removing and disposing of fiberglass insulation, you may want to read about how to install new insulation. Check out our guide on how to install insulation to learn about the tools and materials you'll need plus step-by-step instructions. From learning about the best way to cut fiberglass insulation to inserting and installing it, we've got you covered. The guide also discusses installation of other insulation types, including cellulose and rock wool.