Insulation Removal
Without the Headache
Safe, clean removal for attics, crawl spaces, and walls—
done right by Connecticut’s insulation pros.
Why Remove Old Insulation?
The benefits of removing old insulation
Better Air Quality for You and Your Family
Insulation that's been sitting for decades can trap dust, mold, rodent droppings, and who-knows-what. Removing it clears the air—literally—and helps your HVAC system breathe easier too.
Pest-Proofing That Actually Works
Old insulation is like a welcome mat for mice, squirrels, and bugs—especially in Connecticut basements and attics. Pulling it out helps break the cycle and keeps your home cleaner.
Stops Moisture Damage in Its Tracks
Wet or moldy insulation doesn’t just smell funky—it can damage your wood, drywall, and air quality. Removing it protects your structure and preps the space for a dry, healthy future.
Peace of Mind You Can Feel (Literally)
Knowing your insulation is clean, dry, and up to code means fewer headaches—and a home that’s quieter, healthier, and way more efficient through every season.
Save Yourself the Time (and the Headache)
Tearing out old insulation is dusty, sweaty, slow work—and the wrong vacuum will clog in five minutes. Let our crew handle it quickly, cleanly, and safely while you do literally anything else.
Keep the Mess Out of Your Living Space
Dragging insulation through hallways and down stairs? Hard pass. We seal off the work zone, use HEPA vacuums, and remove everything without turning your house into a construction site.
No More Drafty Rooms or Cold Spots
If some rooms feel like a meat locker while others are sweltering, your insulation could be the problem. Removing the bad stuff is step one to consistent, even comfort across your whole home.
When to Remove Insulation?
Here are common scenarios when you should remove insulation and replace it.
You’ve Had Mice, Squirrels, or Other Uninvited Guests
Rodents love nesting in old insulation—and they leave behind droppings, urine, and tunnels that ruin its performance. If you’ve had critters in the attic or crawl space, removal is a must.
Your Insulation Is 20+ Years Old
Nothing lasts forever. If your insulation has been in place since dial-up internet was a thing, it’s likely compressed, dirty, and underperforming. Removal clears the way for a serious upgrade.
There’s a Musty Smell You Can’t Get Rid Of
Damp or moldy insulation doesn’t just smell bad—it signals water issues that could spread. Removing the old stuff helps eliminate the odor and stops moisture from doing further damage.
You’re Upgrading Your Insulation
High-performance insulation works best with a clean slate. If you’re investing in an energy upgrade, removing outdated fiberglass or degraded material ensures maximum results.
You’re Planning a Renovation or Home Addition
Adding a dormer, finishing a basement, or opening up walls? Old insulation needs to go before you build back better—and it’s the perfect time to address energy loss and air sealing.
The Nealon Difference
Where Historic Charm Meets Modern Efficiency – Without Compromise
Older Home Specialists
As EPA Lead-Safe certified contractors, we understand the unique challenges of insulating historic New England homes.
Proven Energy Savings
Our customers typically see a 30% reduction in energy costs after our professional insulation services. Your investment often pays for itself through years of lower utility bills.
Professional Energy Assessment Process
Every project begins with a thorough energy assessment to identify your home's specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Do I really need to remove old insulation before adding new?
Yes, you often need to remove old insulation before adding new—especially if it's wet, moldy, pest-infested, or compacted. Damaged insulation traps moisture and reduces performance. In Connecticut, starting with a clean surface ensures better energy efficiency and long-term comfort.
How do I know if my insulation needs to be removed?
You may need insulation removal if you notice musty odors, pests, cold drafts, or higher energy bills. In attics, look for damp, matted, or uneven insulation. In crawl spaces, sagging or moisture-soaked material is a sign. An inspection helps confirm if removal is needed.
Is insulation removal messy?
Insulation removal can be messy, but professional methods minimize the mess. Nealon Insulation uses HEPA vacuums, sealed entry points, and roof or gable access to contain dust and debris. Protective gear and careful handling ensure your home stays clean throughout the process.
What types of insulation can you remove?
We remove all common insulation types in Connecticut homes, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, rock wool, and some spray foam. We also handle vermiculite insulation, but testing for asbestos is required first. Our team inspects and identifies materials before safe removal.
How long does insulation removal take?
Insulation removal typically takes 6–10 hours for a 1,000–1,500 sq ft attic and can be completed in 1–2 days. Complications like pests, mold, or water damage may extend the timeline. Nealon Insulation provides a clear schedule before starting the job.
Will removing insulation help with indoor air quality?
Yes, removing old or contaminated insulation improves indoor air quality by eliminating dust, mold, rodent droppings, and allergens. In humid Connecticut areas, insulation removal and air sealing help reduce pollutants—especially important for families with allergies or asthma.
Is it safe to remove insulation myself?
Yes, you can remove insulation yourself, but it’s risky. Most homes have tight, dusty spaces and potential hazards like mold, pests, or asbestos. Without HEPA vacuums, sealed bags, and protective gear, DIY removal can expose you to contaminants and create a mess.
What’s the next step after insulation is removed?
After insulation is removed, the next step is inspecting for air leaks, moisture, and damage. Then, new insulation—like cellulose, fiberglass, or spray foam—is installed along with air sealing and ventilation upgrades. This ensures long-term comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality.
Reviews from our customers over 48 years
Nealon did an outstanding job in terms of courteous services, as their team members, as well as Chris who was responsible for directing the job, were most professional!!! They cleaned up nicely, and my goods remained intact. Also and happily stated, it’s been one week since they’ve installed insulation in our home, and we notice a huge difference in the amount of energy we are using for heating…which equates to $avings!!! In short, we’d use them again, and glad we chose them for this endeavor!!!
Highly recommended. Their estimate was competitive, the work was done in a timely and clean manner, they explained what was done, and our house is warmer as we head into the winter. When we had a question, they came back out to talk with us and helped us answer our questions. I will use them again and recommend them to anyone.
They are an amazing company to do work with! Jen in the office is polite, pleasant, and very competent. The work was done well and very quickly. We had our attic and basement insulated. I would 100% recommend!
The Nealon team was professional and considerate of my property. I noticed a 200-kilo watt decrease in my electric bill along with an additional savings in oil consumption of 50 gallons. No more drafty cellars and so far, the mice have gone elsewhere.
Fast, efficient and great price! Didn’t even notice them insulating our attic and making a big difference already! Would highly recommend for anyone that wants to cut down on their energy bill!!
Nealon Energy Solutions has been my go to company for my personal property energy solutions & savings and all of my residential remodeling projects. as a remodeling contractor myself, I take pride in utilizing quality trades people, using quality products that perform at the top of their game. Nealon has the depth of experience that is in my opinion unmatched in the CT business market. Clients appreciate the thorough explanations of the options available to them, the professional execution of the contracted work and the cleanliness of the project when the work is completed. GO NEALON!!
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