How easy is it to remove fibre glass loft insulation?

Question

I want to remove the old 100mm fibre glass insulation rolls from my loft and replace them with a SuperQuilt type option (i.e. 100mm thickness but the equivalent of the recommended 270mm thickness). I cannot add the new insulation on top, as I need to keep the total insulation below the height of the joists to allow me to put boarding down for storage.

Therefore, does anyone know how difficult/ dangerous/ unpleasant removing fibre glass rolls is? Any tips? Or should I not even bother?!?! Thanks

Answer 1

Its not a fun job. Definitely buy a mask, overalls and gloves. You will get hot and it is unpleasant.

You could alternatively get thinner insulation and place it on top of the old. Or if you are going to use the loft on a regular basis, insultation the roof instead.

Answer 2

Loft Insulation Removal

Answer 3

Fibreglass Loft Insulation

Answer 4

It's pretty unpleasant. Set up good lighting before you start work.
Gloves, mask and coversuit are definites, as are boards to work from. You'll also need to vacuum up the debris once it's all out. Lighting wires should run over the relaid insulation if possible.

Roll it up one width at a time, and have some string/ ties handy to keep it rolled up before you bag it and pass it down through the house. Have sheets down to cover the floor area below the loft hatch.

Alternatively you can get loft boards which have an insulated underside, or you can insulate the underside of the rafters. Personally I'd rip out and start again. B&Q seem to have a range of insulation offers on (again) at the moment

Oh, and when you finish, step into a cool shower to wash off before turning the water temp up...

Answer 5

It's not hard but it will be uncomfortable. A pair of leather gloves and a really good dust mask and respirator would be a good start. I'd also recommend long sleeves and jeans, not shorts. You'll probably still feel like you've been rolling in poison ivy at the end of the day but that will pass. buy a bunch of contractor bags to put the insulation in, but remember not to stuff them bigger than will fit through the opening into the attic. If you've got attic stairs you shouldn't have to worry about it. You might also want to check with your trash collection folks to find out what their rules are concerning bulk pick up, because this is gonna be bulky for sure. One way to reduce the bulk is to stuff as much insulation into the trash bags as possible, then close the bag tightly over a good shop vac and suck the air out, you'll be amazed how much less room it'll take up. You just need to tie the end of the bag tightly with something once you've removed the air.
Good luck.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How easy is it to remove fibre glass loft insulation?
I want to remove the old 100mm fibre glass insulation rolls from my loft and replace them with a SuperQuilt type option (i.e. 100mm thickness but the equivalent of the recommended 270mm thickness). I cannot add the new insulation on top, as I need to keep the total insulation below the height of...

Answer 7

It is one of the worst irritants you can think of. You need goggles, breathing mask, boiler suit (use duct-tape at wrists and ankles), boots, gloves etc.

The tiny fibres stick in your skin and irritate like hell.

You need to get out of the loft straight into the shower and scrub all over with a loofer.

Make sure the old stuff goes in thick sacks which you seal *while you are in the loft*.

A plant water-sprayer can help keep the fibre-glass dust down.

Best of luck. Rather you than me.

Edit: Good call above. Just put the new stuff against the roof liner in between the roof trusses!

Answer 8

I had the same problem so I put in some 2x3 supports for the floor which gave just enough clearance for the insulation. You only need rough sawn wood from a woodyard for this it doesn't cost much.

So leave the old insulation cover it with the new and then board over the top

Answer 9

dIt's easy to remove but you need to be well protected, gloves, Nylon boiler suit, but Most IMPORTANT wear a good quality effective breathing mask. Fibre glass is not good to breathe. the environmental dept are your local council should be able to recommend a suitable mask and instructions where to take it when it has been removed
It will be messy and I suggest you put it into strong bin bags in the loft otherwise you'll trail muck and dust all over the house

Answer 10

i can't add much to the answers already given except if you have a cold water tank in the loft make sure it is covered although fibre glass floats it can get sucked into the water supply pipes and will form clots and cause blockages to your taps. very difficult to locate and an expensive repair job