Insulation Removal
Zhe Industries is Hampton Roads’ only Certified Energy Expert®. A healthy, energy-efficient home or business starts with removing insulation that no longer performs the way it should. If you’re dealing with old, contaminated, or poorly installed insulation, our professional insulation removal service clears the way for a cleaner, safer, higher performing building envelope.
We remove compromised insulation materials efficiently and responsibly, with careful containment and cleanup practices that help protect indoor air quality and prepare the space for proper Air Sealing and new insulation. The result is a better foundation for comfort, moisture control, and real-world energy savings.
Benefits of Insulation Removal
Removing old insulation is not just a step towards energy efficiency but a leap towards a safer, cleaner living space. Here are some of the advantages and importance of insulation removal both in the attic and in the crawl space:
- Health and Air Quality: Old or contaminated insulation can significantly impact indoor air quality. Over time, insulation can harbor allergens, mold, and even rodent waste. Removing this insulation helps to ensure the air you and your family breathe is clean and safe.
- Real World Performance: Removing all old insulation is an essential first step because it exposes the hidden air leaks that undermine real-world thermal performance. Insulation can only do its job when airflow is controlled; otherwise, drafts and pressure-driven air movement carry heat and moisture through gaps, cracks, and penetrations—reducing comfort, raising energy costs, and increasing the risk of moisture-related damage.
- Energy Efficiency: Settled or damaged insulation can compromise your home's ability to maintain comfortable temperatures. Research shows that loose insulation can settle by as much as 20% in the first few years after installation. Removing old insulation can pave the way for new, efficient insulation that will better regulate your home's temperature, thereby saving energy costs.
- Prevent Infestations: Old, damaged insulation can attract rodents and pests. Removal followed by installing new insulation can prevent infestations, safeguarding your home’s structural integrity and cleanliness.
- Health Concerns: Most of the air in your living spaces comes from your attic and crawl spaces. If your insulation is wet or contaminated, it can affect your overall health, potentially contributing to asthma and allergy issues. Removing this insulation not only mitigates these health risks but also provides a sense of security for you and your family.
Insulation Removal Process
At Zhe Industries, we prioritize a clean and safe removal process. Our team uses state-of-the-art industrial vacuum systems engineered specifically for insulation removal. These machines use a completely closed removal system—so there’s no need to worry about contaminated material being carried through your home. The old insulation is safely transferred through sealed tubing and discharged directly into a designated dumpster, keeping the work area cleaner and reducing disruption to your living space.
Our Insulation Removal Process
We evaluate the attic & work area, identify access points and hazards, confirm what type of insulation is present, and set up protective containment to keep the home clean.
Air Leak Identification and Preparation for Air Sealing
After we use high-powered vacuums to extract the old insulation, the attic floor and wall/ceiling cavities are fully exposed. This gives us a clear view of the building envelope so we can identify the hidden bypasses and penetrations that drive energy loss and comfort problems—top plates, chases, wiring and plumbing penetrations, recessed fixtures, duct transitions, and other leakage points. With everything visible and accessible, we can complete targeted Air Sealing at the source.
Sanitization
Following removal, we apply professional sanitizing treatments to help reduce residual contaminants and support a cleaner, more hygienic attic or crawl space before new insulation is installed. Every insulation removal service includes EPA-rated sanitation, because addressing the environment underneath the insulation is a critical step in delivering a truly clean reset.
We use an industry-leading Electrostatic/ULV sprayer to apply the treatment evenly and efficiently. Electrostatic technology charges the solution so it is drawn toward surfaces for more complete coverage across framing, decking, and exposed substrate areas—helping ensure the space is treated thoroughly prior to blowing/ Installing new insulation.
Final Inspection
After removal is complete, we perform a thorough inspection to confirm all unwanted insulation has been fully extracted and the work area is properly cleaned, treated, and ready for the next phase. We verify the attic floor and cavities are clear, check that access paths and containment have been maintained, and ensure the space is prepared for air sealing and new insulation installation.
Why Choose Zhe Industries?
Certified Expertise
As Hampton Roads’ only Certified Energy Expert®, Zhe Industries delivers a higher standard of insulation and building-envelope expertise. From precise insulation removal and sanitation to targeted air sealing and high-performance re-insulation, our team is committed to making your home or business cleaner, healthier, and measurably more energy-efficient.
We focus on doing the job correctly at every stage—removing what no longer performs, addressing the underlying air leaks and contaminants, and rebuilding the system so your insulation can deliver true, long-term thermal performance.
Comprehensive Services
Our insulation removal process goes beyond removing old material. We also perform a sanitizing treatment—an especially important step if your attic or crawl space has experienced rodent or wildlife activity. This added layer of protection helps reduce residual bacteria and contamination left behind, creating a cleaner environment before new insulation is installed.
By addressing both the insulation and the conditions underneath it, we provide a true “clean slate” for re-insulation and added reassurance that your home is being rebuilt for comfort, efficiency, and healthier indoor conditions.
Customized Solutions
Whether you’re dealing with old, ineffective insulation, poor ventilation, elevated humidity, or a renovation that requires crawl space, attic, or wall insulation replacement, Zhe Industries understands that every home has its own set of conditions and constraints. We tailor the scope to what your building actually needs—removing compromised materials, correcting underlying airflow and moisture drivers, and rebuilding the insulation system so it performs as intended.
The result is a more durable, comfortable home with long-term energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality driven by a properly managed building envelope.
From the Rooftop to the Crawl, One Call!®
Insulation Removal FAQ
Can clients be at home while Zhe Industries performs the insulation removal?
Yes—clients can typically remain in their homes during the insulation removal process. Our team uses professional containment practices and specialized removal equipment to help minimize disruption, control dust, and maintain a clean work environment.
For safety and comfort, we do recommend that occupants stay out of the immediate work zones (such as the attic access area and any rooms used for setup or material handling) while work is underway. We will clearly identify restricted areas and coordinate access so your household can continue normal activities
Can I install new insulation over old?
Having old insulation professionally removed is often the first meaningful step in defending your home against rodent residue, bacterial growth, and moisture-related issues. When insulation has been compromised, simply “topping off” over the existing material can trap contamination, conceal active problem areas, and limit your ability to address the root causes—air leaks, ventilation imbalance, and moisture pathways.
Be cautious of contractors who recommend blowing new insulation over old without correcting what’s underneath. Layering new insulation over contaminated or degraded insulation can create a favorable environment for ongoing pest activity and microbial growth, while also reducing the real-world efficiency and service life of the new insulation system. A proper reset—removal, inspection, targeted air sealing, and then re-insulation—delivers cleaner conditions and long-term thermal performance.
What's Truly Under Your Insulation?
This is an image from our industrial vacuum clean out trap. There are several rodent carcasses & feces which are a breeding ground for deadly bacteria that will impact the health of your home. Installing home insulation over old is adding more fuel to the fire.
Why do I have Ceiling Condensation?
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for preventing ceiling condensation. Good ventilation allows for airflow, which helps keep the attic dry and maintain a balanced temperature. This minimizes the chance of condensation forming on the ceiling below. Correctly installed insulation can significantly reduce condensation. Layering new insulation over old without addressing potential air gaps can trap moisture and exacerbate the problem.
Serving Virginia Beach and Surrounding Areas
Zhe Industries proudly offers comprehensive insulation removal services across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, and the surrounding Hampton Roads areas. Our commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures your home is in expert hands.
Consider Zhe Industries for your insulation removal needs for a healthier, more efficient home. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards improved home comfort and energy efficiency.
