When does old insulation need to be removed?

When it is wet, mouldy, contaminated by pests, or so compacted and uneven that adding more over it would not give a good result. If the existing insulation is dry and clean, a top-up is often the more practical option.

What if my attic has vermiculite?

Vermiculite may contain asbestos and should not be disturbed until it has been tested. If it contains asbestos, it must be removed by a qualified abatement contractor. We can re-insulate the attic once that work is complete.

Removal creates dust in the attic, so we cover the access path and plan the work to keep it out of the living space. Removed material is bagged and taken away.

Do you deal with rodents in the attic?

We remove insulation contaminated by rodents, but pest control is a separate service. The entry points should be dealt with by a pest control professional before new insulation is installed.

Insulation Services

Insulation Removal & Replacement

When existing insulation is damaged, wet, or contaminated, it is removed first so new insulation can be installed on a clean base.

Request a Free Quote Call 289-889-2786

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Overview

About Insulation Removal & Replacement

Topping up is not always the right answer. Insulation that has been soaked by a roof leak, contaminated by rodents or birds, or compacted and patchy after years of service can hold moisture and odours, and it hides the attic floor where air leaks need to be sealed.

KHG Insulation Services removes old attic insulation, bags it, and takes it off site, then installs new insulation to the agreed depth. Clearing the attic first also gives access to the ceiling below so top plates, penetrations, and the hatch can be sealed before the new material goes in.

Before any removal, we look at what the existing material is. Vermiculite, a pebble-like loose-fill found in some older Ontario homes, may contain asbestos. It must be tested and, if needed, removed by a qualified abatement contractor before we do any work in that attic.

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Scope of Work

What the Service Involves

Identifying the existing material: We check the type and condition of the insulation and look for signs of moisture, pests, or vermiculite before quoting removal.
Protecting the home: The path from the entry to the attic access is covered, and work is planned to keep dust out of living areas.
Removal and disposal: Old insulation is removed, bagged, and taken away. Debris left on the attic floor is cleaned up.
Preparation: With the attic floor clear, air leakage points and eave baffles can be addressed where they are in scope.
New insulation: New blown-in insulation is installed to an even, agreed depth, with depth markers so the result can be checked.

Applications

Typical Project Applications

Insulation damaged by a past roof leak
Rodent, bird, or pest contamination
Compacted or patchy older insulation
Strong odours coming from the attic
Preparing an attic for air sealing
Re-insulating after roof or ceiling repairs

Materials

Insulation Materials Used

Blown fiberglass

Light loose-fill glass fibre commonly used to re-insulate attics after removal.

Blown cellulose

Dense loose-fill made from recycled paper treated for fire resistance, well suited to irregular attic spaces.

Benefits

Why Insulation Removal & Replacement Matters

A clean starting point

New insulation goes onto a clear attic floor instead of over material that is wet, dirty, or compacted.

Access for air sealing

Removing old insulation exposes the gaps in the ceiling below so they can be sealed.

Consistent coverage

The new layer is installed to an even depth across the attic rather than built up over uneven material.

Fewer odours and debris

Contaminated material is taken out of the home instead of being covered over.

What to Expect

From First Call to Installation

01
Tell us about the attic
Call 289-889-2786 or send the quote form with photos of the attic and any history of leaks or pests.
02
Attic review
We review the existing material, access, and condition, and confirm whether testing is needed before work starts.
03
Scope-based quote
The quote covers removal, disposal, any preparation work, and the new insulation and target depth.
04
Removal and re-insulation
The attic is cleared, prepared, and re-insulated, and we walk you through the result when the work is done.

FAQ