JobSite Efficiency: Having Necessary Tools for Insulation Removal
Be prepared when you are removing insulation! Other than owning an insulation vacuum and hoses, what are other items you should have with you to be as efficient as possible?
Extra Hose Clamps: Hose clamps fail when used over and over again. Make sure you have a couple of each size, on hand, to make sure you can make connections. While you can source 3”, 4” and 6” clamps at a local hardware store, finding a 8” clamp is difficult.
Duct Tape: Always have a supply of duct tape. We recommend that you have a cheap, easy to tear tape and a thick, long-lasting duct tape. Use the easy to tear for connection points you will remove and join frequently. Use the thick tape for connections that are not going to be removed.
Extra Connectors: Most of the vacuum hoses have a wire that spirals through the hose to prevent the hose from collapsing with the suction. If that hose gets crushed, then it is very difficult to reform. Be prepared to cut the crushed section out and use an extra connector.
Three or Four Pronged Cultivator: Old mineral wool and cellulose can be caked on the drywall under it. Having a cultivator tool will break up the compressed insulation. You can also reach deeply into the soffit areas with this tool.
Sand Bags: With the larger machines that are capable of sucking fiberglass batts, your hose will buck. This could damage the person’s house if it bucks wildly. Get some cheap, small sandbags like those used for kids soccer goals. This will prevent damage.
Always Carry Extra Vacuum Bags: We do have an occasional call from a contractor late Friday night, needing vacuum bags on Saturday. Most often, it is impossible to ship that quickly. If your vacuum bags break, then having extras on hand is critical. NOTE WELL: Do not leave your bags in extreme heat or exposed to the sun. They can be destroyed by the excessive heat and UV rays within a few days.