How much does attic insulation removal cost?
How much does attic insulation removal cost?
$1 – $2 average cost per square foot
$1,600 – $3,600 total removal cost (1,600 – 1,800 SF)
Attic insulation removal cost
The cost to remove old insulation from an attic is $1 to $2 per square foot or $1,600 to $3,600 total on average. However, attic insulation removal costs depend on the attic size, insulation type, amount, and condition. The average cost to remove and replace attic insulation is $2 to $6 per square foot.
| Attic size (square feet) | Average removal cost* | Removal and replacement cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $500 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 600 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| 800 | $800 – $1,600 | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| 1,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| 2,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $12,000 |
*Includes disposal of old, non-hazardous insulation materials.
The size of an average attic in the United States is 1,600 to 1,800 square feet.
The cost to remove damaged and potentially hazardous attic insulation can reach $25+ per square foot.
Insulation removal cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of removing insulation from your attic:
Insulation type: The cost to remove blown-in insulation is typically higher than average because the removal process is more challenging and time-consuming than removing batts or rolls. Removal costs are also higher for materials that are abrasive and potentially damaging to removal equipment, such as Rockwool.
Attic size: The larger the attic, the more insulation to remove, and the higher the cost. However, some contractors reduce the cost per square foot when removing insulation from a larger attic space.
Ease of access: If the space is tight or difficult to reach with the proper equipment, contractors may need to remove the insulation by hand, which takes longer and costs more.
Project size: Some contractors discount the insulation removal cost if it's part of a larger project like roof replacement.
Debris level: If the insulation has other debris mixed into it, you typically need to remove it by hand, which takes much longer than removing it with a vacuum.
Cleaning & decontamination
Insulation removal costs much more than average when it involves damaged and potentially hazardous materials. Some contractors have a $1,500 to $3,000 minimum fee for attic sanitation service. Consider the following added costs for jobs that may require specialized decontamination services:
Pest infestation: Rodent removal costs $150 to $600 on average, depending on the type of pest and level of infestation. Cleanup adds $600 to $1,000 to remove and dispose of hazardous waste and disinfect the space. Add another $100 to $800 for sealing to prevent future infestations.
Mold: Mold removal and sanitization costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average but can escalate to $15,000 or more if you're dealing with significant structural damage or limited accessibility.
Asbestos: Removing asbestos insulation costs $1,000 to $11,000+, or $10 to $25 per square foot, depending on the amount and how easy it is to access.
If you're removing Zonolite vermiculite insulation, which was sold between the 1940s and 1980s and may contain asbestos, you may be eligible for up to 55% reimbursement through the Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI) Trust.
Insulation removal vacuum rental
For most insulation removal jobs, hiring a professional with the expertise and all the necessary equipment and protective gear is best. For blown-in insulation in an easily accessible attic with no damage or contamination, renting an insulation removal vacuum costs about $200 to $350 per day.
Cost to remove and replace attic insulation
The average cost to remove and replace attic insulation is $3,200 to $10,800, or $2 to $6 per square foot for an attic with no damage or contamination issues. Replacing old insulation can make the home more comfortable, reduce heating and cooling costs, and may qualify for an energy-efficient home improvement tax credit.
The type of insulation and any additional services will impact the final cost:
Batt and roll insulation costs $0.80 to $2.60 per square foot installed on average but may cost up to $4.70 per square foot to get to the recommended R-value when completely replacing the existing batt insulation.
Installing blown-in insulation costs $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot.
Spray Foam Insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot, or
0.60 to 2.90 per board foot (1 SF, 1" thick) installed
Air sealing an attic costs $350 to $3,000. Your contractor may include this in the insulation estimate, as it's an essential step for insulating a vented attic effectively.
Attic cleaning costs $100 to $500 for a basic cleaning cleanout to remove non-hazardous items and debris.
The Energy Star recommendation for most attics is insulating to R-38, or R-49 to R-60 in colder climates. R-Value is a measurement of heat resistance; higher R-Value means better performance.
When to remove attic insulation
The following situations typically call for insulation removal:
Dangerous materials: Older homes may have insulation that contains hazardous materials:
Some older vermiculite insulations may contain asbestos. Asbestos inspection and testing costs $250 to $850 on average but may be less if a pro can confirm asbestos with a visible inspection.
Cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper is considered a fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), even when treated with fire-resistant chemicals before installation.
Mineral wool insulation contains fibers that can become airborne. While studies show these fibers are not likely carcinogenic, they are still respiratory irritants. Reach out to an indoor air quality testing service near you to determine if the insulation is causing invisible damage in your home.
Infestation: If rodents have made your attic their home, their nests and feces have contaminated your insulation. Not removing these hazardous materials can lead to toxic air within the home.
Water damage: If your insulation has been exposed to water due to leaks or condensation, removing and replacing it promptly is essential to prevent more serious and costly damage. A water damage inspection specialist can assess the severity of the issue and recommend the best plan of action.
Mold or mildew: Insulation affected by mold or mildew poses health risks, and you should remove and replace it as soon as you discover it. A mold inspection costs $300 to $650 but isn't necessary if you can see visible mold growth.
Fire damage: Fire-damaged insulation will smell burnt or smoky until it's removed. Experts recommend removing insulation after a fire even if the fire itself did not reach the insulation.
FAQs about old insulation removal
Do I need to remove old insulation before installing new insulation?
You should remove old insulation if it’s damaged by moisture, mold, fire, or pests. Removing old insulation before adding new insulation also exposes the space and any underlying issues and provides access to seal any unsealed penetrations to improve efficiency.
How long does attic insulation last?
The lifespan of attic insulation varies from 20 to 100 years, depending on the insulation type and the environmental conditions in the attic.
Fiberglass insulation can have an extremely long lifespan, lasting 80 to 100 years under ideal conditions. However, inspect the insulation after 15 to 20 years to ensure that the R-value remains compliant with building code standards.
Cellulose insulation has a shorter lifespan compared to fiberglass, typically lasting 20 to 30 years. It also starts to degrade around the 15-year mark, which may necessitate replacement or additional insulation.
Spray foam insulation has excellent longevity when installed correctly and left undisturbed. On attic floors, it can last for 80 years or more. When applied to the underside of the roof deck, its lifespan is shorter, lasting up to 30 years.
How long does it take to remove old attic insulation?
The insulation removal process takes anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days or more, depending on the attic’s size and the job complexity.
What is the best insulation for an attic?
The best insulation depends on your specific needs. Fiberglass and cellulose are popular choices for attics due to their cost-effectiveness and performance. Spray foam insulation is more expensive but typically wins for performance.
Getting estimates from insulation removal contractors
When searching for attic insulation removal companies near you, be sure to:
Look for professionals experienced in insulation removal and replacement.
Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire an insured and bonded company that's been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for an in-person estimate so they can give an accurate quote based on your attic's unique requirements.
Get at least three estimates with similar details to compare.
Ask for references you can contact.
Get a detailed estimate and contract in hand before the work starts.
Never pay in cash and don't pay in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask an insulation removal contractor
Ask the following question to help you select the best insulation removal contractor for your needs and budget:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in the insulation removal business?
Do you offer free in-person estimates?
What exactly does the estimate include?
Do you have the equipment and expertise to remove mold, asbestos, or pests if you find them? How much do these issues add to the cost?
How long do you expect this job to take?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.