Why You Should Not Do Attic Insulation Removal on Your Own

Insulation in the attic has to be taken out when it is heavily damaged due to the invasion of rodents. Urine, droppings, and nesting materials result in contamination. Rodent-infested insulation also attracts more rats to enter the loft and this may worsen the situation. Attic insulation removal is then necessary to make the home safe for dwellers.

Should you hire professionals for insulation removal?

Will you choose to do this job yourself or hire experts for insulation services? If you choose to have it your way, think again. You may believe that you can save money if you do it yourself but remember that this job is not easy as it is time consuming and messy. If you remove the insulation on your own and you have no sufficient knowledge about it, things may become muddier and may take longer than expected. It may also turn out to be more costly than paying for professional insulation services. More importantly, it may put you, as well as the rest of the household members’ health at risk.

Released Asbestos Fibers

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, several types of building and insulation materials used in homes carry asbestos, particularly until the ‘70s. If the insulation is damaged, it is likely that it will release asbestos fiber, which can be drawn in into the lungs. If the ceiling is not in good condition and there’s movement of air inside the attic, for example by using ceiling fans, it is probable that asbestos dust will spread.

In the report of the US Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to asbestos increases the possibility of developing lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases do not appear until about 20 to 30 years after contact.

Because of this risk, it is important not to try performing insulation removal on your own until you are certain that it does not contain asbestos. But how do you know if it does? Home improvement stores have testing kit that you can buy. However, it is best to find asbestos professionals who are trained to handle asbestos materials before you contact an attic insulation removal service provider. They perform home inspection and take samples of the insulation, make assessments and perform necessary actions afterwards. If the test reveals that asbestos is present in the material, it only tells you that you should not be the one to do it. Do not think about holding or moving the insulation – leave it alone.

To protect your family, pay for insulation services when you know you are not an expert when it comes to attic insulation removal. This may cost $1 to $2 per square foot. It’s best to look for professionals who know how to perform insulation removal correctly. They are well aware of the risks involved in this type of activity.

Attic insulation removal will let you get rid of rodents’ urine, nesting materials, and droppings. Sealing the area will likewise prevent new rodents from entering. However, this task should only be taken care of by a company that offers insulation services.