+64 3 453 5111 admin@salmac.nz
Insulation Removal

Fast, Clean Insulation Removal Across Otago

We specialise in the professional removal of old loose-fill ceiling insulation — including insulfluff (cellulose) and other types such as blown fibreglass and mineral wool — using advanced vacuum technology. Our system extracts these materials quickly and with significantly less dust than traditional methods, making it ideal for renovations, extensions, and home upgrades.
Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or renovator, we deliver a cleaner, more efficient result so your project can progress with minimal disruption.

Insulation Removal Before: Insulfluff filling the roof cavity.

Before: Insulfluff filling the roof cavity.

Insulation Removal After: Clean exposed ceiling joists after removal.

After: Clean exposed ceiling joists after removal.

Why Remove Old Ceiling Insulation?

Old loose-fill insulation is often removed for several reasons, including:

  • Pest contamination — This is one of the most common reasons in the Dunedin area. Rodents and other pests can nest in insulation, leaving droppings and urine that create odours and health concerns.
  • Water damage — Roof or plumbing leaks can soak insulation, causing it to sag, lose effectiveness, and potentially develop mould.
  • Fire damage — Insulation affected by fire or smoke is usually compromised and should be replaced.
  • Renovations and upgrades — Many people remove old insulation when renovating or extending, so new, high-performance insulation can be installed properly.

Removing the old material creates a clean ceiling space and allows new insulation to perform at its best.

Why Remove Old Ceiling Insulation

Our Advanced Vacuum Removal System

We use a specialised industrial vacuum system designed to remove old loose-fill insulation.

This equipment can safely extract a range of materials, including:

  • Insulfluff (cellulose / shredded paper).
  • Blown fibreglass.
  • Mineral wool.
  • Similar loose-fill insulation types.

The vacuum system removes these materials quickly and cleanly, with far less dust and disruption than traditional hand removal methods.

This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners and builders who want to minimise mess during renovations and upgrades.

Key Benefits:

  • Significantly less dust than conventional removal.
  • Faster and more efficient.
  • Cleaner result for your property.
  • Professional equipment operated by trained technicians.
Salmac Advanced Insulation Vacuum Removal System
Insulation Cellulose - Insulfluff

Insulfluff

Insulation Blown fibreglass

Blown fibreglass

Insulation Mineral wool

Mineral wool

Who Is This Service For?

This service is ideal for:
  • Homeowners renovating, extending, or upgrading their property.
  • Builders and renovators who need old insulation removed cleanly and efficiently.
  • Anyone dealing with pest, water, or fire-damaged insulation.

 

FAQ

Our frequently asked questions below are about why to remove old ceiling insulation.

What is insulfluff?

Insulfluff is the common name for old loose-fill cellulose insulation that was blown into ceiling spaces in many older homes. It is typically made from shredded paper treated with fire retardants. Over time, it can become dusty, compacted, or uneven.

Why would I need to remove old insulation?

Common reasons include pest contamination (very common in Dunedin), water damage, fire damage, or when renovating and wanting to install new, high-performance insulation.

Is insulation removal messy?

Traditional methods can create a lot of dust. We use a specialised vacuum system that extracts the old insulation much more cleanly, significantly reducing dust and mess compared to older methods.

How long does insulation removal take?

Most residential jobs take between 1 and 2 days, depending on the size of the area and access to the ceiling space. We will assess your property and give you a clear, realistic timeframe before we start.

Do you also install new insulation after removal?

Yes. We can remove the old insulation and then supply and install new, high-performance insulation if required.

Will I need to leave the house during the work?

In most cases you can stay in the house. We take steps to minimise dust and disruption. We will discuss access requirements with you before we start.

Is the vacuum system suitable for all properties?

Our vacuum system works well for most residential and many commercial properties. We assess each job individually.

What are the benefits of using a vacuum system for removal?

Using a vacuum system offers several advantages:

  • Significantly less dust than traditional methods
  • Faster and more efficient removal
  • Cleaner result for your property
  • Reduced disruption during the job
Do you remove asbestos insulation?

YES! But not with this vacuum, it is designed for non-asbestos loose-fill insulation only. If you suspect asbestos may be present, we can arrange a proper inspection and removal through our licensed Asbestos Services team.

How much does insulation removal cost?

The cost depends on the size of the area, access, and whether you also want new insulation installed. We provide free, no-obligation quotes after assessing your property.

Servicing Otago

Alexandra | Arrowtown | Balcutha | Beaumont | Bendigo | Bucklands Crossing | Cardrona | Clinton | Clydevale | Cromwell | Dunedin | Gibbston | Glenorchy | Hampden | Heriot | Hyde | Lake Hāwea | Kaka Point | Kakanui | Kingston | Lawrence | Makarora| Middlemarch | Miller Flat | Milton | Moeraki | Maheno | Momona | Mosgiel | Ngapara | Nasby | Oamaru | Oturehua | Owaka | Palmerston | Papatowai | Patearoa | Port Chamlers | Queenstown | Ranfurly | Roxburgh | Saint Bathans | Tapanui | Tarras | Waihola | Wanaka

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Contact us

If you have questions about our asbestos services or insulation within Otago, please contact us today.

333 Kaikorai Valley Rd

Bradford, Dunedin 9011

Weekdays :  8.00am - 4.30pm