A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in Etobicoke

Deciding if old insulation should be removed.

Deciding on insulation removal will depend entirely on the quality and condition of the existing insulation. Aging insulation is often ready for removal, especially in situations where R-Value has diminished. But there are other reasons as well, with some that require immediate attention.  For insulation removal in Etobicoke, Great Northern Insulation offers a step-by-step approach that is comprehensive: evaluating if removal is required; determining the scope of work involved; and providing workable solutions for the re-installation of new and improved insulation.

A good many reasons for removing insulation.

Every home is different, and every homeowner’s needs are different. GNI crews have seen it all: too much insulation; too little insulation; even poor ventilation. It all contributes to compromised performance. For example, attics that are ineffectively sealed will consequently allow moisture to accumulate. This has to be rectified. In older homes, the insulation may have deteriorated. It will also have to be removed. And finally, there may be some water damage, animal contamination, or harmful materials like asbestos or vermiculite (these have been universally banned).

Removing insulation during a retrofit or reno.

Removing insulation during a retrofit or renovation is an ideal situation. It allows for removal of existing insulation and upgrading at the same time. Where trades can work cooperatively, this is an excellent opportunity to make repairs, while improving the space with effective sealing and ventilation. GNI can determine if existing insulation needs to be removed entirely, or if anything can be saved. Installers can also determine if new insulation can be installed over existing. Most important, insulation removal must be comprehensive, clean, and safe for residents.

Insulation removal will require some expertise.

Removing old insulation is essentially a “cleanup”. But it’s specialized work that requires some expertise. GNI crews use state-of-the-art equipment to clean up, remove, and dispose. GNI uses a sophisticated vacuum system (with external disposal) to safely eliminate all waste. The jobsite is left free of any debris, and ready for the next step. The objective here is to properly prepare the entire jobsite so that retrofit work can proceed: air-sealing the space tight; providing adequate, appropriate air ventilation, and installing new, high performance insulation product.

The DIY method for removing older insulation.

There are many home centres that advocate the do-it-yourself (DIY) method when removing old insulation. GNI disagrees - past experience shows that a professional method is far preferable, and with far less risk. Removing insulation is labour-intensive. An amateur will usually take twice the time to do the same work as an experienced expert. More importantly, old insulation could be hazardous, with potential health risks that are unexpected. Indeed, deteriorating insulation could be contaminated - there may be animal remains; mold/mildew residue; even asbestos.

Removing old insulation is only the beginning.

For insulation removal in Etobicoke, removing the insulation is only the beginning of the project. The cleanup is definitely important, but it’s also necessary to plan out potential repairs as well as retrofits. In some homes, there may be a need for an air barrier, a vapour barrier, or even some re-installed ventilation. But regardless of repairs and retrofits, GNI highly recommends sealing the space effectively (it’s just as important as insulating). The truth is, with effective sealing, the insulation performs better, and R-Values deliver as advertised, for many years to come.

Sealing a space airtight is essential to the job.

Every home, whatever its size, is directly affected by air movement (airflow). In the air, moisture, pollutants, and oxygen levels impact the indoor environment. This is precisely why air sealing is so critical. Sealing the attic floor, for instance, will effectively block all the openings that allow for air to leak. Overall, a well-sealed attic will effectively manage airflow from outside the house (the “unconditioned space”) to inside the house (“conditioned space”). In this way, the finished space will ensure maximum long-term performance for the newly re-installed insulation.

After removing insulation, it’s time to install.

When it’s time to install new insulation, Great Northern Insulation can provide various products and installs. Blown insulation, for instance, is a very popular product (in cellulose or fiberglass). Professionally installed, the product provides satisfactory insulation for the attic and roof. The product is blown into a given space as a thermal “blanket”, effectively insulating the entirety of the area, including gaps and crevices that are very hard-to-reach. With an expert application, blown insulation provides long lasting R-Values along with a cost-effective installation. Fiberglass batts are also a good option for both attics and basements. The batts allow for good R-Value and provide satisfactory product performance from season to season.

For attics and basements, Great Northern Insulation recommends Spray Foam Insulation. It’s recognized around the industry as a top performer, with more benefits overall than any of the other product options. Spray Foam Insulation does more with one application than any other approach. It creates a completely airtight space. It serves as an air barrier and vapour barrier in one. And it provides higher R-Value than any of the comparable products. When professionally installed, Spray Foam Insulation does not need to be replaced or replenished in any way. As it is, SFI is a premium quality product and install, but with the substantial energy savings throughout the year, it’s a cost-effective investment with a long-term payoff.  

For some home insulation projects, the experts at GNI will suggest a combination install. Often described as a “hybrid installation”, it’s a highly effective technique with excellent results.  The “hybrid installation” basically combines Spray Foam Insulation with either fiberglass or cellulose blown insulation. This technique allows for the best qualities of each product to perform. The project results are excellent, providing energy efficiency from season to season, and long-term savings on heating and cooling bills. The “hybrid installation” also allows for a very cost-effective project overall. And with Great Northern Insulation, homeowners can rest assured that products are of top quality, and installs are at the very highest standard.