Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation 1 Feb 14, 2016 7:47 pm I want to replace the blow in insulation in our roof this year and I want to weigh up the options/get some recommendations/hear about some experiences. We have a 4br house, the insulation is around 20 years old and is fairly useless. Can anyone recommend a company in Melbourne that they've worked with previously? Is it worth getting someone just to remove the old, and do the new myself? Re: Replacing blow in insulation 4Feb 16, 2016 6:26 am I've had to do this on a couple of jobs in the past and from memory all I did was similar to you. Just a biggish plastic rubbish bag, stuff it in by hand then when the whole ceiling was done I vacuumed up any leftovers. There are big industrial vacs you can hire too but you'd unless you had someone at the other end you would be up and down the ladder a fair bit. I'm unsure what it will cost you to dump it too. Some councils classify it almost as bad as asbestos and charge you accordingly. Stewie Re: Replacing blow in insulation 5Feb 16, 2016 7:48 am I would have thought that there is no point in removing old insulation material, it must have some value, and instead just go over the top with new batts. I have seen this many times with pre purchase inspections where new insulation (courtesy of government) was laid over existing. Of more concern are respiratory risks so you must wear a good mask and the risk of falling through ceiling and getting killed. If you are doing it make sure that batts are neatly fitted and pushed in tight into tight spaces into corners and against walls and that downlights have heat shields. There is no point doing it unless it is done well and I find many times(with my thermal imaging camera) new homes or old that insulation has many gaps letting heat transfer through. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Replacing blow in insulation 6Feb 16, 2016 9:38 am Thanks Stewie, that's what I was thinking. I might just try and do a small area first and see how long it takes. Thanks for the advice building-expert! The issue with the blow in is that it has moved about quite a bit, so I'd rather get rid of the old and get a nice tidy finish and make sure it's all installed correctly. Re: Replacing blow in insulation 7Feb 16, 2016 10:40 am Quote: I would have thought that there is no point in removing old insulation material, it must have some value, and instead just go over the top with new batts. I have seen this many times with pre purchase inspections where new insulation (courtesy of government) was laid over existing. That's what I used to think too BE but I have seen a few reports about the mould spores, toxic pollutants and other nasties that tend to reside in older insulation especially under tiled roofs with no sarking. The older it is the higher the bug count. Rat droppings, possum pee etc can all add to the mix. A mate of mine did a reno in a 1920's semi about 50m from the Pacific Highway in St Leonards in the Northern suburbs of Sydney a few years ago. As part of the reno the owners wanted an attic space etc plus they had to run a lot of new electrical cables up there so he got in one of these " ceiling sucker " mobs ( glorified vacuum cleaner ) to remove all the dust and some insulation in the ceiling space. The guy had one that separates some of the components from the bulk of the dust and got 22kg of lead out of the dust. All those years of cars and trucks rumbling up the highway with leaded fuel presumably. If the existing insulation is OK and not very old by all means keep it and lay new over old but if it looks ratty well I know what I'd do ... Stewie Re: Replacing blow in insulation 8Feb 16, 2016 11:20 am Good point, it makes sense! Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Replacing blow in insulation 9Mar 01, 2016 1:59 pm Hello How are you going with your insulation? There are a couple of options. removal and reinstall or we can install over the old insulation. We manufacturer, supply and install cellulose which is an great option both environmentally friendly and R-value. Would you like to chat to one of our Insulation Specialists about your needs? Samantha 0407 369 964 Hi all, Just wondering if anyone had suggestions on installing/replacing wall insulation on an external wall which doesn't have wrap, our miners cottage being constructed… 0 4933 2 8326 Yes, get a builder, make sure he is experienced and a registered building practitioner 5 8952 |