Insulation Removal Cost Calculator
Old insulation that's wet, rodent-damaged or contaminated has to come out before new goes in. This prices both the DIY route and the contractor route.
Your project
Your results
- Volume to remove
- 800 cu ft
- Disposal bags
- 27 contractor bags
- Contractor cost
- $1,800
- DIY cost
- $559
- Vacuum rental (2 days)
- $320
- Landfill / disposal fee
- $155
- Your estimate
- $1,800
About 30 cu ft compressed per bag
About $1.5 per sq ft
Vacuum rental, bags and dump fee
Estimates use typical US material and labor pricing. Confirm quantities against the coverage chart on the bag before you buy.
Gear for this job
Insulation Blower Machine Rental
PSI Woodworking DC3XX 1.5 HP Portable Dust Collector Motor Blower
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VIVOSUN Double Bubble Foil Insulation Roll, 6" x 25 ft Reflective HVAC Pipe & Duct Wrap, Weatherproof Thermal Insulation for Attics, Windows, Garages
Check price on Amazon
Dayton 1TDP3A Round OEM Blower with Flange
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Respirator Mask Insulation Work
Respirator Mask with Filters set - Reusable Respirator Mask for Chemicals, Painting, Spraying, Epoxy Resin, Dust, DIY etc
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Full Face Organic Vapor Respirator - Protective Eye & Nose Shield with Anti-Fog Heavy Duty Lens & Adjustable - Chemical, & Particulate Respirator. Includes 2 Filter Cartridges - Industrial Grade
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Reusable Half Facepiece, Half Facepiece with Goggle, Protection from Dust and Organic Vapors, for Painting, Sanding, Polishing, Spraying, Decorating
Check price on Amazon
Tyvek Suit Insulation Installation
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How this calculator works
- Volume = area × depth in feet
- Bags = volume ÷ 30 cu ft per contractor bag
- Contractor cost = area × rate, adjusted for depth and condition
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to remove old insulation before adding more?
No, if it's dry, clean and rodent-free — just add unfaced material on top. Remove it when it's wet, mouldy, contaminated with droppings, or you need access for air sealing.
How much does attic insulation removal cost?
Most jobs land between $1 and $2.25 per square foot, so a 1,200 sq ft attic is roughly $1,200 to $2,700. Rodent contamination and deep fill push it higher.
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Volume to remove
800 cu ft