Loft Insulation Removal in Middlesbrough & the North East

Most lofts do not need their insulation taken out. If it is clean and dry, the sensible thing is to top it up. But sometimes the existing insulation is doing more harm than good: it is wet, mouldy, soiled by rodents or birds, or so flattened that it adds very little. Then the right step is to clear it out, deal with whatever caused the problem, and start again with fresh insulation.

We remove old loft insulation from homes across Middlesbrough, Teesside and the wider North East. This page explains when removal is worth doing, how it is carried out and what happens afterwards. For an overview of new insulation, see our loft insulation page.

When removal is the right step

• Rodent or bird contamination. Droppings, urine, nesting material and tunnelling make insulation unhygienic. It should be taken out, not covered over.
• Water damage. Insulation soaked by a roof leak or a burst pipe loses much of its value and can hold moisture against the timbers.
• Persistent condensation or mould. Damp, darkened or musty insulation is often a sign of a ventilation problem that needs fixing too.
• Heavy compression. Insulation crushed flat under old boards or years of storage may be better replaced than topped up.
• A poor earlier installation. Bunched-up rolls, large gaps, or insulation jammed into the eaves can be quicker to clear and redo properly.
• Access for other work. Sometimes the loft floor needs to be cleared so that other work, such as rewiring or roof repairs, can be done.

If the insulation is simply thin but sound, we will tell you that a top-up is the better option. Removal is more involved, and there is no point paying for it if it is not needed.

What we do not remove

We work with mineral wool and similar loft insulation materials. If we find anything we cannot identify, or anything that could contain asbestos, such as some older loose-fill materials or boards, we stop and tell you. Suspected asbestos needs to be tested and handled by a licensed specialist, and we will not disturb it.

How removal is carried out

Protecting the house

Before anything is moved, the landing, stairs and the area under the hatch are covered with dust sheets. The route from the loft to the front door is kept clear and protected.

Bagging in the loft

Old insulation is bagged up in the loft itself rather than carried down loose. That keeps fibres, dust and debris contained. Installers wear protective clothing and masks while they work, particularly where there is contamination from rodents or mould.

Taking it away

The sealed bags are carried down and taken away for disposal. You are not left with a pile of old insulation in the garden.

Cleaning and inspecting the empty loft

With the floor clear, the loft is swept or vacuumed between the joists, and droppings and debris are removed. This is also the best chance to see the loft properly: the condition of the joists, the eaves, the ceiling below, any wiring, and signs of leaks or old damp. If we find anything that needs attention, we tell you before anything new is laid.

Fixing the cause before refilling

Removing spoiled insulation without dealing with what spoiled it means the same thing will happen again. Depending on what we find, that might mean:

• Rodent proofing to seal the gaps mice or rats used to get in. If there is an active infestation, a pest controller should deal with that first.
• Loft ventilation improvements, such as clearing the eaves or fitting vents, where condensation was the problem.
• Sorting out a bathroom extractor fan that vents into the loft instead of outside; see mould and condensation.
• A roof repair by a roofer, if a leak was the cause.

New insulation

Once the loft is clean, dry and sound, new Knauf Earthwool is laid between and across the joists to 270mm, with the eaves kept clear, the hatch insulated and draught-stripped, and tanks and pipes insulated. If you want storage, raised loft boarding can go in at the same time, so the new insulation is not crushed. Removal and reinstallation are usually done as one job, so the loft is not left bare for long.

What affects the cost

Removal adds labour and disposal to a job, so it costs more than a straightforward top-up. The price depends on the size of the loft, how much insulation there is and what condition it is in, whether there is contamination to clean up, access to the loft, and what new insulation and extras go back in. You get a written quotation after a free assessment. See the loft insulation cost guide for more.

Who does the work

Removal and reinstallation are carried out by The Insulation Company or an approved installation partner. Where removal is followed by a new installation, eligible installations come with a written guarantee of up to five years; the terms are set out in your quotation.

Areas we cover

We cover Middlesbrough and Teesside, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and York, and parts of West Yorkshire and the East Riding. See all the areas we cover, or call 0800 229 4668 to arrange a free assessment.