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Super Sprayers

Vacuum removal and spray foam removal

Attic Insulation Removal and Old Insulation Cleanouts in Guelph

Super Sprayers removes old attic and wall insulation across Guelph and the surrounding towns, using an industrial insulation vacuum that pulls loose fill straight out of the attic into sealed bags or a collection unit. Since 2018 we have completed more than 800 insulation jobs, and a good number of them had to start with removal because the insulation already in the house was doing more harm than good.

Most attic insulation can simply be sealed underneath and topped up. It has to come out when it is soaked from a roof leak, full of mouse or raccoon droppings, smells of smoke after a fire, is growing mould or is so compacted that the air leaks beneath it can't be reached. In those cases, new insulation laid over the top only buries the problem.

We also remove failed spray foam, which is a job that many insulation companies won't touch. Our crews are CUFCA certified and WSIB covered, we set up containment and HEPA filtration before we start, and we test for vermiculite before any loose fill is disturbed. Most homeowners have us remove and reinstall in one visit, so the attic is never left empty or uninsulated for long.

  • In business since 2018
  • 800+ jobs completed
  • WSIB covered, licensed and insured
  • 2-year labour warranty
  • 5-star Google rating

When Old Insulation Has to Come Out

Rodent contamination

Droppings, urine and nesting material make insulation a health hazard. It has to be removed and the attic sanitized.

Water damage

Wet insulation loses most of its R-value and can hold moisture against the ceiling and framing for months.

Mould

Mouldy insulation can't be cleaned. It comes out so the source and surfaces can be treated.

Smoke and fire damage

Smoke odour lingers in insulation. Insurance restoration jobs often include full removal.

Heavy compression

Insulation packed down by storage or foot traffic has lost its R-value and blocks access to the leaks underneath.

Failed spray foam

Off-ratio foam with a lingering odour or poor adhesion is cut and scraped out.

How Vacuum Insulation Removal Works

  1. 1

    Test first

    Any loose fill that could be vermiculite is sampled and sent to a lab before we disturb it.

  2. 2

    Set up containment

    Living areas are protected and the attic hatch is sealed to keep dust out of the house.

  3. 3

    Vacuum out

    A high-powered insulation vacuum pulls material into sealed bags or a collection unit outside.

  4. 4

    HEPA cleanup

    Remaining dust and debris are HEPA-vacuumed from the joists and ceiling.

  5. 5

    Inspect and seal

    With the attic bare, we inspect the framing and air seal every leak.

"Vacuum insulation" in our service list means this vacuum removal process.

Test Before Removing: Vermiculite and Asbestos

Vermiculite is a pebbly, grey-brown or gold insulation found in many older Ontario attics. If a sample tests positive for asbestos, it must be removed under Ontario Regulation 278/05 with the correct precautions. See our asbestos and vermiculite removal page.

Attic partly cleared of old insulation during insulation removal

Removing Failed Spray Foam

Most spray foam problems come from bad installs: foam mixed off-ratio, sprayed too thick in one pass or applied to a cold, wet surface. The result can be a lingering fishy or chemical odour, shrinkage or foam pulling away from the framing. It can't be fixed in place.

We cut and scrape the failed foam out under containment with ventilation, then clean the surfaces. Our guide on whether spray foam is safe explains how to spot a bad install.

Worker removing old spray foam inside a sealed enclosure

Disposal and Cleanup

Removed insulation is bagged and sealed on site and disposed of at an approved facility. Contaminated material is handled separately from clean waste. We leave the attic swept and HEPA-vacuumed, and we clean any dust that reaches the living space.

Old attic insulation bagged for disposal after vacuum removal

Removal and Reinstall in One Visit

Because we insulate as well as remove, most jobs run straight from cleanout to air sealing to new insulation. You get one crew, one schedule and an attic that's never left empty in cold weather. The new insulation can be blown-in or spray foam at the roofline, depending on the attic.

Removal Questions

How long does attic insulation removal take?

Most attics take one day to remove, and another day to air seal and reinsulate. Large or heavily contaminated attics take longer.

Can old insulation be topped up instead?

Yes, if it's dry, clean and not vermiculite. We air seal first and blow new insulation over the top.

Can bad spray foam be removed?

Yes. It is cut and scraped out under containment, and the space is cleaned and reinsulated.

Free estimate

Get a Removal Quote

Tell us why the insulation needs to come out and roughly how large the attic is. Photos through the hatch help.

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