Machines for Removing and Replacing Insulation

Studies have shown that more than 2/3 of American homes are poorly insulated and that homes built more than a decade ago are the ones that are poorly insulated.  Homeowners saw the necessity of improving their home insulation to reduce heat gain during the summer and heat loss in the winter. Newly built homes are required to have minimum amount of insulation based on the recommended R-value of their zone.  However, it is sometime possible that a home is still properly insulated.  In some cases, removing and replacing an existing insulation, new or old, has become necessary.

Why would it be necessary to remove insulation?

An Over Insulated Building

Can a home be truly over-insulated? Sure. When insulation cuts off ventilation, it is over-insulated. Too much insulation can be worse than an under-insulated home. Too much insulation compromises airflow and ventilation. Interior heated air moves up to attic and exterior cool air moves down to the living areas. A tightly insulated attic will prevent such air movement but an overly insulated attic can restrict air flow and result into moisture formed within the crevices of the attic. Moisture can lead to mold. If this issue is not addressed, health problems i.e. allergies, are possible.

Upgrading Home Insulation

The variety of insulation materials in the market today is incredible – cellulose, fiberglass, rockwool, cotton and even sheep wool. These insulations can be blown-in, nailed, glued or sprayed.  There are also “green” insulation materials that are fairly effective too.  The R-values of these materials are high and their thermal properties greatly improved.  A home that is more than 15-20 years old, though insulated might need an upgrade for a more efficient type of insulation.

Because wall cavities, in existing structures, are inaccessible to using batt insulation, dense packing offers a great way to fill cavities.

Damaged Insulation

Small gaps and cracks in the eaves or roofing are enough for critters and pests to lodge themselves in the attic.  These pests can easily pose as health hazard as their droppings and urine can easily “soak” and contaminate the insulation material. Tattered insulation caused by animals loses its efficacy too.  A leaky roof poses a danger in damaging and contaminating the insulation too. Owens-Corning, a leading insulation material company has reported that most insulation is not good especially when the moisture has evaporated since the probability of foreign materials lodged in the insulation can significantly reduce its R-value.  Mold and mildew are guaranteed to thrive in wet insulation and its growth can be transmitted to other parts of the house. Wet cellulose, when it dries, significantly loses its fire-retardancy.

A contractor that is interested in expanding his business will offer insulation removal and replacement options. We work with the following industries:

• Pest control companies
• HVAC companies
• Insulation companies (obviously)
• Construction companies
• Fire reclamation companies
• … and homeowners!