A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in Markham

First - determining if aging insulation must be removed.

Insulation removal depends on the type and quality of insulation that was previously installed. Old insulation is certainly a good reason for removal, especially if it’s lost its integrity. But there are many other reasons – some more urgent than others.  For insulation removal in Markham, the experts at Great Northern Insulation can offer a practical, step-by-step approach: assessing whether removal is needed; gauging the amount of work involved; and providing viable solutions for the re-install. The fact is, today’s leading edge products will definitely be more effective.

There are some very good reasons to remove insulation.

Since each home is different, removal needs will be different. At GNI, installation crews have seen all types of situations. In the attic, for instance, excessive insulation can compromise the attic’s ventilation and can cause problems. As well, an attic that is poorly sealed can allow unwanted moisture to accumulate. Another common problem, primarily in old homes, is insulation that has deteriorated - perhaps because of water damage, or because of animal contamination. Finally, in some homes, the insulation may contain materials installed prior to being banned (asbestos).

Removing insulation while doing a home reno or retrofit.

Depending on what type of renovation or retrofit is planned, this may be an ideal opportunity to remove existing insulation and upgrade at the same time. If tradespeople can work jointly, it’s an excellent time to remove insulation, make necessary repairs, and upgrade with new insulation. Here, the experts at GNI can determine whether existing insulation can be saved (even in part), with new insulation being installed over the existing. Most importantly, if insulation is removed, it must be thorough and safe. GNI crews always make sure that homeowners are safeguarded.

Insulation removal will require experience and expertise.

Insulation removal is mainly a “cleanup” job. But it’s still highly specialized work that will require experience and expertise. GNI uses state-of-the-art clean up equipment to ensure clean and safe removal and disposal. GNI crews use sophisticated vacuum equipment to eliminate every speck of waste into an external disposal container. Cleanup crews leave the jobsite free of debris, and ready for the next step in the process. The idea is to prepare the jobsite for proper reinstallation: new insulation product; sealing the space airtight; and providing the appropriate ventilation.

Opting for a DIY approach when removing old insulation.

Most home centres will have DIY (do-it-yourself) suggestions for removing old insulation. For the team at GNI, experience has shown that a professional approach to insulation removal is a better approach. The work is very labour-intensive, and an amateur will work twice as hard and twice as long as an expert. But more importantly, removing old insulation may be hazardous, and with potential health risks. Deteriorated insulation may be contaminated; there may well be animal remains or mold deposits; and there might even be asbestos or vermiculite. It’s all very risky.

Removing insulation is only the first step in the process.

For insulation removal in Markham, Great Northern Insulation often reminds homeowners that removal is just the beginning. And while removal and cleanup is important, it’s quite necessary to plan for repairs and possible retrofits. Some homes may require an air barrier, or vapour barrier, perhaps even some new ventilation. Regardless of the work involved, GNI always recommends properly sealing the space. In fact, sealing is as important as insulating. When sealing is effective, the insulation will perform better, and the installed R-Value will deliver for many years to come.

Sealing the space airtight is an essential part of the job.

In every home, regardless of size, air movement (airflow) impacts the indoor environment. It involves air moisture, air pollutants, and even oxygen levels in the air. This is why air sealing is so important. Just by example, sealing the attic floor will effectively close holes and cracks that allow for air leakage. In principal, a sealed attic manages airflow between the inside of the house (the “conditioned space”) and the outside of the house (the “unconditioned space”). Overall, a sealed space, with good ventilation, will guarantee peak performance for the newly installed insulation.

After removing the insulation, it’s time to re-install anew.

When it comes to installing new insulation product, Great Northern Insulation can offer various options and installations. Blown insulation, for example, is a popular product, offered in cellulose or fiberglass. It’s professionally installed to code, and provides satisfactory results, particularly in the attic and roof cavity. This product is blown into place as a thermal “blanket”, with coverage that effectively insulates the entirety of the space (including hard-to-reach spots). Expertly installed, blown insulation has satisfactory R-Values and continues to be a cost-effective install. Fiberglass batt insulation is also a good option for the attic and basement - the batts provide good R-Value and satisfactory product lifespan.

Attic or basement, Great Northern Insulation highly recommends Spray Foam Insulation as the best product on the market. It’s recognized throughout the industry as the best performer, and with more product benefits overall. Indeed, SFI does more with a single application than any of the other insulation products available. When expertly installed, Spray Foam Insulation makes a space completely airtight, creating an air barrier and vapour barrier simultaneously. R-Values are higher than comparable products, and product lifespan is unmatched. In fact, once installed, SFI never needs replacement or replenishment. SFI is considered a premium install, but the energy savings make it a cost-worthy investment.  

For some installation projects, GNI will recommend a combination application, often referred to as a “hybrid install”. This is a highly effective approach to home insulation, where Spray Foam Insulation is combined with one of the blown insulation products (fiberglass or cellulose).  This approach offers the best attributes of each product, with excellent outcomes, both short term and long term. The “hybrid install” is also one of the most cost-effective installations available today. Whatever the approach, GNI promises complete customer satisfaction, along with manufacturer warranties and guaranteed workmanship.