Insulation Removal & Replacement in Reading, PA

Insulation removal and replacement is often the first step in an old Reading house. Attics and roof cavities that have been patched and added to over a century can hold a mix of old batts, loose fill, rodent nests and debris. If it is wet, contaminated or blocking needed air sealing, it should come out.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite, a pebbly gray-brown or gold loose fill, was used in many older attics. Some of it contains asbestos. If we see it, we stop and recommend testing. Asbestos removal is work for a licensed abatement contractor; HomeAdvisor lists it at $1,190 to $3,255.

Rodents and pigeons

Mice, squirrels and birds can nest in attic and roof-cavity insulation. We remove soiled material with a commercial vacuum, bag it and haul it away, and seal entry points we can reach.

Roof leaks

Flat rowhome roofs that leak will soak insulation below them. Once the roof is fixed, wet insulation should come out.

Floods

The Schuylkill has flooded Reading's lower areas, including in 1972 and 2006. Basement insulation that got wet should come out, and the space should dry before new insulation goes in.

Spray foam removal

HomeGuide lists spray foam removal at $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot; Fixr notes hand-chipping can run up to about $5.

Replace and improve

With the space clear, we seal every gap and insulate to the target. HomeAdvisor lists removal plus replacement at about $1,852 on average.

How removal works

We set up a commercial vacuum outside, run a hose to the attic or roof cavity, and vacuum old loose fill into bags or a collection unit. Batts are bagged by hand. We protect the path through the house. In rowhomes, we work from the inside or the roof edge, depending on access.

After removal

An empty attic or cavity is the best time to air seal. We can reach every gap at the cornice, chimney and wall tops. Then we insulate to the target depth or fill the cavity with foam or dense-pack.

Mixed old insulation

Old Reading attics often hold several layers from different decades: old batts, loose fill and debris. If the mix is dry and clean, it can stay under new insulation. If parts are soiled or wet, we remove just those areas where possible to keep the cost down.

When removal is not needed

If your insulation is dry, clean and safe, it can stay. We add on top after sealing. Get a free estimate