Insulation Removal Toronto

Old insulation should be removed when it is contaminated by animal droppings or urine (mice, raccoons, squirrels), affected by mould growth, water-damaged, contains vermiculite that may have asbestos, has been through a fire, or is severely degraded and no longer providing adequate R-value. If you are renovating and need access to wiring, plumbing, or framing, removal is also necessary.

We use industrial HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction equipment to remove old insulation. A large hose is run from the attic to a collection unit outside the home. The insulation is vacuumed directly into sealed bags for disposal. This method contains dust and contaminants, preventing them from spreading through your home. Full containment barriers are set up to protect the living space.

Vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos, particularly if it was manufactured before 1990. The most common brand, Zonolite, was produced from a mine in Liberia, Montana that was contaminated with tremolite asbestos. If you have vermiculite insulation, it should not be disturbed until it has been tested. If asbestos is present, removal must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor following Ontario Ministry of Labour regulations.

Standard insulation removal in Toronto typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 for a typical attic, depending on the size, type of insulation, and accessibility. Vermiculite or asbestos-containing insulation removal costs significantly more ($5,000 to $15,000+) due to the specialized containment, protective equipment, and licensed disposal requirements.

All removed insulation is transported to licensed waste disposal facilities in Ontario. Standard insulation (cellulose, fiberglass) goes to approved landfill facilities. Asbestos-containing materials are disposed of at specially licensed hazardous waste facilities in accordance with Ontario Regulation 278/05. We handle all disposal logistics and provide documentation of proper disposal.

After removal, we recommend upgrading to modern insulation that meets current Ontario Building Code standards. For attics, blown-in cellulose to R-60 is the most cost-effective option. For basements, closed-cell spray foam provides both insulation and moisture protection. We offer package pricing when you combine removal with new insulation installation.