How to Remove Fiberglass Insulation

Your home's insulation is like its cozy wool coat, shielding you from the chill of winter. However, over time, insulation can deteriorate due to pests, water damage, or everyday wear and tear. To pave the way for a more efficient and effective insulation upgrade, the initial step is bidding farewell to your old, worn-out insulation. Learn how to safely and thoroughly remove your fiberglass insulation. 

Why You May Need to Remove Fiberglass Insulation

There are a few reasons you may need to remove and replace your fiberglass insulation, such as:

• A rodent or insect infestation: Critters love making their homes inside cozy batt and rolling insulation. Because these unwelcome guests leave behind droppings, you’ll need to remove and replace the old insulation.

• Water damage: Insulation soaks up water and moisture, so water damage can quickly lead to mold and mildew issues, reducing the insulation’s R-value. 

Another common reason to remove fiberglass insulation is to replace it with another type, such as spray foam insulation. Fiberglass insulation has a long life span of 80 to 100 years but needs to be checked for weak spots every 10 to 15 years. If you notice fallen chunks of insulation on the floor or batts detached from frames, your fiberglass insulation could be degrading and need replacement.

If you’re unsure whether or not to replace your insulation and there are no obvious signs, hire a local insulation pro to perform an energy audit. During the audit, the expert will use infrared technology to look for leaks and discover whether your home is adequately insulated. The audit will tell you if your insulation is fine as-is, if you need more of it, or if it needs full removal and replacement.

How to Prep for Fiberglass Insulation Removal

Fiberglass can be dangerous to work with. It is made from tiny glass particles, which can be hazardous if inhaled or ingested. To prevent any health complications, make sure to wear:

• Work gloves

• Goggles

• A respirator/mask

• Long pants and sleeves

• Work boots

In addition, if you’re working on a home before 1980, it might contain asbestos. You should have the area tested for asbestos before proceeding. 

Gather Tools

You’ll need a few things for this project. If you have batt and roll insulation, you’ll need a hammer or flat-head screwdriver to remove the staples holding it in place. Additionally, you will need some heavy-duty garbage bags to collect the insulation you’d like to dispose of.

If you are removing batt and roll and not blown-in insulation, you could forgo renting an insulation vacuum, but we recommend it as they are high-powered enough to catch any bits left behind and do a final cleaning of the space to ensure no airborne fiberglass particles are flying around. 

Clear the Area

Remove all furniture and items from the area. You want a clean, open space to work in to avoid contaminating your belongings.

Seal the Room

Sealing the room ensures that fibers can’t get into other parts of your home. Seal all doors, windows, and gaps using plastic sheets. Tape the plastic sheets down to create a strong barrier. 

How to Remove Batt and Roll Fiberglass Insulation

Removing batt and roll fiberglass insulation needs to be done carefully to protect your health and prevent the fibers from getting all over your home. Follow our steps below if you're handling the removal yourself.

Remove Staples

Starting with the farthest corner of your attic, remove staples from insulation using the claw end of a hammer or a flathead screwdriver. Remove the staples from the bottom up, and remove the top staples while holding the insulation strip in place so it doesn’t fall. 

Roll Up Batts

Once the staples are removed, roll the batts up one-by-one and place them into a large, heavy-duty garbage bag. 

Properly Dispose of the Insulation Batts

Once you have all of your trash bags full of fiberglass insulation, you’ll need to properly and responsibly dispose of them. Double bag any bags that seem extra heavy, and make sure to remove the trash bags from your home as soon as possible.

Contact your local waste management site or talk to a local waste removal specialist to get the bags taken to a disposal site that accepts fiberglass.

How to Remove Loose-Fill Fiberglass Insulation

Removing loose-fill fiberglass insulation versus batt and roll required different handling and containment processes. Because loose-fill insulation isn't in pre-formed sheets, it requires a vacuum or removal equipment to collect it. You'll also need durable bags for safe containment and disposal, whereas batt and roll insulation can be pulled out by hand in larger sections, making it easier to handle.

Vacuum the Insulation (Optional)

This is an optional step, but you can rent a vacuum to remove loose-fill insulation effectively and speed up the process. Wear protective gear and set up the vacuum outside the house, attaching a long hose that can reach the insulation area. Vacuum the loose-fill insulation and direct it into durable waste bags attached to the vacuum. This makes disposal much easier and safer. 

Shovel the Insulation

If you're not interested in using a vacuum to remove loose-fill insulation, you can remove it manually using a shoveling and bagging process. However, this will be a more time-consuming project. Wear protective gear and use a large dustpan or flat shovel to scoop the insulation. Place it directly into heavy-duty disposal bags.

As you're scooping, take care not to press too hard on the attic floor or drywall ceilings because excessive weight or force can cause damage. Work in slow, manageable sections to prevent stirring up excess dust. While the process is slower compared to vacuuming, it can be effective for smaller spaces or limited insulation removal.

Properly Dispose of the Loose-Fill Insulation

Whether you choose vacuuming or scooping, loose-fill insulation must be bagged properly for safe disposal. Secure and seal the insulation in heavy-duty disposal bags to reduce the risk of escaping fiberglass particles. Research local disposal regulations, as some areas have special handling requirements or disposal sites for insulation. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Remove Fiberglass Insulation

Hiring an insulation pro near you to remove your fiberglass insulation costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot. While it’s tempting to save money and complete this project yourself, there are a lot of good reasons to hire a professional to remove your insulation. First, as noted, fiberglass insulation can be dangerous if it comes in contact with your eyes or lungs. Second, working in the attic or an area of your home that might be unfinished has many hazards; flooring might not be properly installed, for instance, and could lead to falls.