Roof space vacuum and clean in Perth

Ceiling Vacuums Perth

Insulation Extract's ceiling vacuum service in Perth clears old insulation, dust, rodent droppings and debris out of your roof space with a truck-mounted 25HP vacuum, so new insulation goes onto a clean ceiling. The hose runs in through the roof, not through your rooms.

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On-Site
Tile Roof Retrofit

Extraction & Batts

1. Old blown-in removal via vacuum
2. Earthwool® batts install
ISO 9001 • 45001 • 14001
EEC Certified
Earthwool® ECOSE
50-Year Warranty
1,500+ reviews

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Ceiling vacuuming and roof cavity cleaning in Perth

Insulation plays a big part in keeping your home comfortable while keeping energy costs down. Unfortunately, insulation materials degrade over time or become outdated, and eventually need to be removed and replaced. A ceiling vacuum is the tool that makes this possible without turning your house into a building site.

Perth roof spaces collect a lot. Fine dust blows in under tiles during summer easterlies, old loose-fill breaks down into powder, and possums, rats and birds leave nesting material behind. Our ceiling vacuum crews clean this out across the metro area, from Wanneroo and Stirling to Melville, Canning and the Hills.

Two technicians in a roof space feeding old insulation into a vacuum hose
Two technicians in a roof space feeding old insulation into a vacuum hose

What is insulation vacuuming?

Insulation vacuuming removes old blow-in insulation, debris and contaminants from the ceiling cavity so the roof space is clean before new insulation is installed. It is the first step when upgrading your insulation, and it has two main parts:

  • Roof space preparation.
  • The vacuuming process itself.

Done properly, it improves the performance of the new insulation and makes the home cleaner and safer to live in.

Old loose-fill insulation partly vacuumed out from between ceiling joists
Old loose-fill insulation partly vacuumed out from between ceiling joists

How our ceiling vacuum process works

Preparing the roof space

Before vacuuming begins, the roof space is prepared so the work is safe and efficient. We access the ceiling by lifting roof tiles or through the metal roof sheeting, and we clear stored items and large debris. Power is switched off for the duration of the work, and the crew wears the correct PPE throughout.

Truck-mounted 25HP vacuum extraction

Once the roof space is ready, we use a high-powered, large-capacity vacuum mounted on our truck to extract the old insulation. Material and dust travel down the hose straight into a sealed hopper, so nothing passes through your living areas. The vacuum removes old insulation, debris and contaminants, leaving the roof space ready for new insulation.

Asbestos is never vacuumed

We do not vacuum asbestos and are not licensed to do so. If the assessment finds material that could contain asbestos, which is possible in homes built before 1990, the job stops and a licensed asbestos removalist must deal with it first.

Benefits of a clean roof space for your Perth home

Vacuuming the roof cavity before new insulation goes in delivers several benefits:

  • Better performance from your new thermal insulation and improved energy efficiency.
  • A healthier, safer home.
  • A longer life for the new insulation, because it is not sitting on debris and contaminants that reduce its effectiveness.

Using a vacuum hose to remove old insulation and debris, we remove around 90% of the dust in the roof space, which improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks.

Better thermal performance from new insulation

The main goal of insulation vacuuming is to prepare your home for new insulation, whether that is Earthwool batts, blow-in glasswool or spray foam, so you get the best return on your investment. There is little point paying for an upgrade only to lay it on top of a dirty roof space. A clean ceiling lets new batts sit flat and reach their rated R-value, which means better energy savings and comfort over time.

Healthier indoor air

The most valuable benefit is not financial. Knowing that your family lives under a cleaner, safer roof is worth more than any saving on the power bill, especially for anyone with allergies or asthma.

What a roof cavity clean removes

Roof cavity cleaning is a core part of insulation vacuuming, because a thorough clean gets rid of material that should not be above your ceiling, including:

  • Allergens and fine dust.
  • Bacteria and rodent droppings.
  • Ash, grime, insects and nesting material.
  • Old insulation batts and loose-fill.

Removing these contaminants keeps the new insulation working properly and prevents ongoing problems. Some older roof spaces also contain lead particles, which is another reason a thorough clean is worthwhile.

Preparing for new insulation

A clean cavity is also the right base for the new insulation. With debris and contaminants gone, new insulation can be installed more efficiently and effectively, giving better thermal performance, a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.

Ceiling joists in a roof space during removal of old loose-fill insulation
Ceiling joists in a roof space during removal of old loose-fill insulation

Replacing old insulation after the vacuum

Once the roof space is clean, new energy-efficient insulation is installed, usually on the same day. From our experience the best product on the market is Knauf Earthwool® glasswool, which offers:

  • A 50-year manufacturer warranty.
  • Non-combustible to AS1530.1.
  • A range of R-values to suit Perth homes.
  • A bio-based ECOSE® binder with no added formaldehyde.
  • Up to 80% recycled glass content.
Pack of Knauf Earthwool R4.0 ceiling insulation
Pack of Knauf Earthwool R4.0 ceiling insulation

Choosing a ceiling vacuum company in Perth

Choosing the right provider is crucial to make sure the vacuuming is done correctly and safely. We recommend homeowners look at experience, expertise, equipment and technique, and ask for proof of public liability insurance. A good provider will have a proven track record and be able to provide references.

  • Ask how many Perth homes they have completed. Be wary of one-man bands.
  • Check Google reviews and talk to previous customers about quality and service.
  • Confirm all relevant safety regulations are followed, including power isolation and asbestos checks.
  • Check how many square metres the quote covers, what warranties apply and whether extra areas could be added later.
  • Avoid cash deals. If something goes wrong, you will have little recourse.

Older ceilings are fragile, and minor accidental damage can occasionally happen. A reputable contractor will put it right quickly. Insulation Extract has retrofitted more than 45,000 Australian homes since 2014. Call (08) 9302 2699 to book a free ceiling vacuum assessment in Perth.

Two technicians guiding a ceiling vacuum hose through a roof space
Two technicians guiding a ceiling vacuum hose through a roof space
Roof space before removal, after vacuuming and with new insulation installed
Roof space before removal, after vacuuming and with new insulation installed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vacuum my own ceiling insulation with a household vacuum?

It is not advised. A household or shop vacuum does not have the suction or capacity for loose-fill, and it can stir up dust and airborne toxins and push them into the home. A truck-mounted industrial vacuum keeps everything sealed and outside.

How does a ceiling insulation vacuum work?

A large-diameter hose is run into the roof space through a lifted tile or roof sheet. The 25HP vacuum on our truck creates negative pressure, pulling old insulation and dust down the hose into a sealed hopper.

How does ceiling vacuuming improve energy efficiency?

It removes the debris and contaminants that stop insulation performing properly. New batts can then sit flat on a clean ceiling and reach their full rated R-value.

Will dust get into my house during a ceiling vacuum?

We work from the roof and the material goes straight to the truck, so very little enters the home. Disturbing decades of settled dust can let a small amount through exhaust fans or air-conditioning vents, and we will explain this before we start.

Do you vacuum asbestos?

No. We are not licensed to handle asbestos. If suspect material is found, the work stops until a licensed asbestos removalist has dealt with it.

Do you install new insulation after the vacuum?

Yes. In most cases the new Earthwool insulation is installed on the same day, so you are not left without insulation overnight.