Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

Our Price Guarantee

How to remove insulation

A person wearing protective gear removing insulation batts from a stud wall frame

Overview

Fibreglass insulation is a common building material. We show you a simple way to remove it without getting itchy skin. We also give you some ideas about what protective equipment to wear and how to dispose of the insulation.

Steps

1Preparing to remove the insulation.

First, turn off the electricity at the fuse box in case there are unseen wires in the wall. Then, protect yourself from the itchy fibreglass by putting on a set of disposable coveralls, some safety glasses, a pair of gloves and a ventilation mask
Tools and materials required for this project, including disposable coveralls

2Remove the insulation

Remove individual insulation batts by rolling them up. Then pack them into double-thickness rubbish bags. If you are removing the insulation from a wall, work from top to bottom. Instead of throwing the bags in the bin, check with your local council about disposal options.
A person wearing protective gear removing insulation batts from a stud wall frame

3Clean up any loose fibreglass

Once you have removed all the fibreglass batts, sweep up any loose fibres. Fibreglass is a durable material, so it's worth spending the time to make sure you sweep it all up. If your skin is feeling itchy, give it a wash with cold water.
A stud wall frame with insulation removed
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.