How much does Insulation removal cost?

Insulation plays a critically important role in a home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Materials like fiberglass batt insulation (which comes in pads) or loose-fill insulation (which comes in small pieces) provide a protective envelope that reduces energy costs by keeping temperature-controlled air in your home.

At some point, however, insulation—and especially attic insulation—may need to be removed and replaced. After a decade or more of use, attic insulation can become moldy or lose its effectiveness because of water damage caused by roof leaks. Or else it could become filled with droppings due to pest infestations. Rodent-infested insulation can cause serious health problems because of viruses and other diseases that these creatures spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Another danger is from insulation containing asbestos. While most insulation materials don’t have asbestos, some—notably vermiculite (a mineral insulation that looks like shiny pebbles)—sometimes do, and are considered potentially hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Asbestos-containing materials shouldn’t be disturbed in any way, and should only be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Old attic insulation removal may also be necessary during home-improvement projects. This typically occurs if you want to replace all or part of a ceiling that’s below an attic, if an HVAC pro needs to run ductwork, or if an electrician is installing new wiring in an attic space. 

Whether your home has damaged insulation, or you want to upgrade existing insulation with new insulation that resists heat transfer more effectively (something known as “R-value”), it may make sense to start from scratch. 

Removing old insulation from an attic is a dusty, messy, dangerous job that requires endurance and the right equipment. It also requires crawling around on ceiling joists to keep from falling through the ceiling below. Ductwork and other obstructions make it difficult to work in areas where the roof drops down to meet the walls. And, when dealing with loose-fill insulation, removal involves using a big gas-powered vacuum that sucks air through giant hoses. 

Due to all these factors, insulation removal should only be performed by an insulation removal professional. In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical costs.

Learn more: Cost of attic insulation; How to insulate a garage.

The average cost of insulation removal ranges from $0.75–2.25 per square foot, or $800–1,700 for a typical attic. Labor fees of $0.50–1.75 per square foot will be factored into the overall quote, with the rest of the cost going toward materials. 

For a project with small square footage, some pros might charge a minimum fee of $75–150. For those who charge an hourly rate—uncommon for insulation removal—expect to pay ​​$75–150 per hour. 

In most cases, homeowners will need to install new insulation after removal is complete, at an average cost of $1,500–4,800. Material costs vary, so the specific price will depend on the type of insulation material you select.

Common fiberglass insulation, for example, costs around $0.50–1.50 per square foot (materials only), while mineral wool insulation (often sold under the name Rockwool), which has a higher R-value, costs an average $1.25–4.10 per square foot (materials only).  

These variables can impact the total cost of insulation removal: 

These ideas can help reduce the cost of insulation removal: 

How much does insulation removal cost?

When removal is done by an insulation contractor, expect to pay an average of $0.75–2.25 per square foot. If you choose to hire a handyperson for a simple insulation-removal project, the cost will be $40–80 per hour. Whichever pro handles the work, inclusive prices usually range about $800–1,700. 

Can I remove the insulation myself?

Insulation removal is a difficult, dusty, sometimes hazardous job, and removing some common insulation types—like fiberglass—requires respirators and other safety equipment. In most cases, homeowners find that it’s best to hire a professional.

Is it worth it to remove old attic insulation?

Removing and replacing old insulation may be necessary if the material is degraded, wet, moldy, or infested with insects or rodent droppings—all of which can compromise indoor air quality and pose a health risk. The cost to remove insulation is $0.75–2.25 per square foot, or around $800–1,700 for a total project. Replacing it with new insulation typically costs $1,000–6,000, depending on the amount and type.

Find an insulation removal professional in your area.