What if my attic has vermiculite?

Vermiculite is a pebbly, grey-brown or gold insulation found in some older Canadian homes, and some of it contains asbestos. Health Canada advises not disturbing it and having it handled by a qualified professional. We don’t disturb vermiculite or blow over it until it has been tested, and if it needs to be removed, that work goes to a qualified asbestos abatement contractor before we insulate.

Do I have to remove old insulation to add new?

No — only if it’s wet, mouldy, contaminated, or in the way of work that has to be done underneath it. Dry, clean insulation can stay, and that saves you money.

It’s dusty work, which is why the path through the house is protected and the removal is run out of the attic to outside.

Attics

Old Attic Insulation Removal

Sometimes the Old Insulation Has to Come Out

Most of the time new insulation can go straight over what's there. But if the existing layer is wet, mouldy, packed with rodent nests, or hiding a problem that needs to be fixed at the ceiling, blowing more on top just buries it. Taking it out gives a clean slate: every leak exposed and sealed, and a fresh, even layer that performs the way it should.

When Removal Is the Right Call

We recommend removal when the existing insulation is part of the problem rather than just too thin:

Insulation that has been wet from frost melt, roof leaks or a fan dumping into the attic
Mould on the insulation or roof deck
Rodent or bird nests, droppings and contamination
Badly compressed or matted material that can’t be fluffed back to depth
A full air-sealing job where the old material is in the way

How Removal Works

Assess and Identify

We confirm what the insulation is, why it needs to come out, and whether anything in the attic needs specialist handling first.

Protect the House

The path through the house is covered, and the removal is run from the attic to outside to keep dust out of your living space.

Remove and Dispose

Old insulation removed and bagged or hauled away for disposal.

Seal the Ceiling

With the attic floor bare, every leak is visible — this is the best chance the house will ever get for a thorough air seal.

Baffle and Re-Insulate

Baffles in, then new insulation blown to an even depth.

What to Expect After

A clean attic with no contaminated material left behind

A fully sealed attic floor

New insulation at a consistent depth

Photos of the bare, sealed ceiling before it was covered

Why Choose Homestead Insulation

We go into the attic before we quote — no guessing from the ground

Air sealing included in the scope, not sold as an extra

Soffit baffles and fan venting checked on every job

Even depth across the whole attic, with depth markers you can see

Our own crew — no subcontractors

Clear written quote before any work starts

Attic air sealing Blown-in attic insulation

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Straight Answer About Your Insulation

Tell us what you're noticing — cold rooms, ice dams, frost in the attic, cold floors. We'll tell you what's actually going on.