A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in Mississauga

Determining if older insulation actually needs to be removed.

Depending on the type, amount, and quality of insulation previously installed, it’s very likely that today’s products and installation methods will be far more effective. Aging insulation is only one of the reasons to remove insulation - indeed, there are a host of other reasons. In some situations, insulation removal will be necessary and urgent, while in other situations not so critical.  When it comes to insulation removal in Mississauga, the professionals at Great Northern Insulation offer a practical approach for residential homeowners:  they assess whether removal is required; they gauge the scope of work; and they provide viable options for re-installation.

Some reasons to remove existing residential home insulation.

Since every home is different, homeowner needs will vary with the circumstances. At GNI, the install teams have seen it all. In the attic, for example, too much insulation will compromise attic ventilation and may lead to mold developing. As well, a poorly sealed attic could contribute to moisture accumulation, which in itself could result in mold buildup. Another common situation, particularly in older homes, is deteriorating insulation, caused by water damage, or even animal intrusion. Finally, home insulation may still contain harmful materials that were installed prior to health bans (asbestos or vermiculite). This is when complete removal is required.

Removing insulation during some renovating or retrofitting.

Depending on the extent of a planned renovation, existing insulation can be removed/upgraded simultaneously with efficiency. And where tradespeople can work cooperatively, it’s an ideal time to remove, repair, and restore pre-existing insulation. Here, GNI installers can determine if new insulation can be effectively installed over existing insulation, or if there’s a need for complete removal. Most important, however, is to ensure that the removal process is thorough, clean and safe. At GNI, state-of-the-art equipment is employed, making sure that the removal and disposal process is safe. GNI crews also make sure that homeowners are not disturbed.

Removing home insulation entails experience and expertise.

While it’s true that insulation removal is basically a “cleanup” project, it’s specialized work that entails experience and expertise. The experts at Great Northern Insulation are trained in all facets of insulation removal. GNI uses sophisticated vacuuming equipment that carefully removes waste into an external disposal system. GNI cleanup teams leave the work site without any debris, and often in far better condition. The idea, of course, is to have a work site that is prepped for the next step:  installing new insulation, creating an airtight space, and ensuring appropriate ventilation. In this way, the home will experience both energy savings and indoor comfort.

Choosing a “do-it-yourself” approach to insulation removal.

In today’s home improvement market, there are numerous “do-it-yourself” options for removing insulation. At GNI, past experience proves that an expert approach to insulation removal is by far the preferred approach. The work is time-consuming and labor-intensive – an amateur will take twice the time as an expert. More importantly, this could be hazardous work, and could well pose a serious health risk. With deteriorating insulation, for instance, there may be contaminates – from animal remains, to mold deposits, to asbestos and vermiculite. In short, this is not the time to save on project costs with a “do-it-yourself” approach – its just too risky.

Removing insulation is Step 1 in a comprehensive process.

When deciding on insulation removal in Mississauga, GNI always reminds homeowners that the removal step is only one step in the overall process. And while cleanup is essential to start, it’s also necessary to plan necessary repairs, and the installation of new insulation. In some homes, this may require installing an air barrier, vapor barrier, and even new ventilation. Importantly, GNI always recommends sealing a space airtight. For building science experts, sealing is just as critical as insulating – and when it’s done properly, it will contribute to the performance of the insulation, and will ensure an R-Value level that will perform for years.

After removing existing insulation - air sealing is essential.

In every residential home, airflow impacts the indoor air environment. It impacts moisture in the air, air pollutants and contaminants, and even oxygen levels. It makes sense, therefore, that after removing insulation, air sealing would be a logical next step. To be sure, the attic floor usually requires sealing to effectively close existing holes, gaps, and cracks. Indeed, when the attic floor is properly sealed, airflow is controlled between the inside of a home (“conditioned space”) and the outside of a home (“unconditioned space”). Properly air sealing, before re-insulating, is truly the professional approach - it will assure peak performance throughout.

When insulation removal is complete – re-installing anew.

Great Northern Insulation offers a number of applications when re-installing new insulation. Blown insulation (available as cellulose or fiberglass) is a product that’s installed according to the building code, and with satisfactory results. The insulation product is blown into a space like the attic, and provides uniform coverage that effectively insulates even hard-to-reach spaces. This is an insulation product that delivers satisfactory R-Value and a cost-effective installation.

Another product application available from GNI is fiberglass batt insulation, an ideal install for attics and basements. Fiberglass batts are moisture resistant and non-combustible. The finished space doesn’t attract rodents or insects, and allows for good product lifespan. To ensure optimum performance and maximum R-Value, fiberglass batts should be expertly installed. As well, proper ventilation is essential for the longevity of the installation product and it’s performance.

For Great Northern Insulation, the best option for re-insulating is Spray Polyurethane Foam. It’s widely recognized as the best performing product on the market today. And as experts in the field, GNI highly recommends SPF for a variety of installations. SPF does more in one application than other comparable products. It ensures an airtight space - it creates an air barrier and vapour barrier at one time – and it installs better R-Values than any comparable product. In some cases, GNI also recommends a combination install, where Spray Polyurethane Foam is installed along with one of the fiberglass or cellulose products, a project approach with excellent results.