Hazards of DIY Attic Insulation Removal
Insulation inside an attic space will reduce your home’s heat transfer by sealing gaps around the roof deck. Without outside air seeping indoors, your home will be more energy efficient and maintain comfortable temperatures. So, what happens if you need to replace old, moldy, or wet insulation?
The hazards of DIY attic insulation removal are plentiful, which is why you should seek professional attic insulation removal services. In the guide below, Woodstock’s insulation removal team from Anthem Insulation & Home explains why insulation removal isn’t an ideal do-it-yourself project.
Top Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Insulation Removal
Unlike other home improvement projects, DIY attic insulation removal can cause more harm than good. Here are some of the problems and dangers of handling your own attic insulation material.
1. Denied Insurance Claims
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with because they’re for-profit businesses. They are more likely to deny insurance claims for roof damages if they uncover unauthorized changes to the attic or roof.
If you must file a homeowner’s insurance claim in the future, you’ll have difficulty proving a licensed professional worked on your house. DIY attic insulation removal will likely result in a denied claim.
2. Legal Consequences
Attic insulation removal has legal requirements and regulations. Legal guidelines exist because the project can expose pipes and electrical wiring behind walls. Like many other structural projects, attic insulation removal might require a permit to ensure that the project doesn’t damage plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
3. Lack of Proper Tools and Protective Gear
Attic insulation installation and removal require specialized tools and equipment. Even if you have a decent understanding of insulation removal, you wouldn’t do an adequate job without the right equipment and protective gear. Everyday tools aren’t acceptable for the project.
For instance, you would need protective gloves, goggles, and a commercial-grade vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean the attic after removing fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass sheds tiny pieces of glass that will irritate your skin and lungs.
The protective gear will shield your body from the insulation. The vacuum with a high-grade filter will ensure you remove all the debris and prevent the fibers from becoming airborne.
4. Exposure to Airborne Toxins
Removing old, wet, or moldy insulation will disturb allergens like dust and mold spores, causing them to go airborne. You could develop allergy-like symptoms breathing in these particles, like coughing and itchy eyes.
Some types of insulation are toxic. For instance, some materials contain formaldehyde, which causes mouth, nose, eye, and respiratory problems if you breathe it in. Carcinogenic asbestos in insulation is another concern which can cause lung disease.
Turn to Anthem Insulation & Home for All Your Insulation Needs
DIY attic insulation removal can cause significant damage to your home, health, and budget. Put your trust in Anthem Insulation & Home, a trusted Woodstock, GA, home insulation company specializing in attic insulation installation and removal. No matter the type of insulation your home has, their team can safely and effectively remove it and install quality insulation materials, including cellulose insulation, spray foam, and blown-in insulation.
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