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Removing packing peanut 'insulation'?
Yes, it's true. Our 1850 house is 'insulated' with packing peanuts... someone had bags and bags of them and dumped them down into the walls through the attic. They are through the majority of the plaster/lath walls, and every time we cut a new opening, they come spilling out. Window openings, electrical boxes, you name it...
They're horrible to contend with and I want to get as many out as possible. We are re-sheathing the first floor with drywall, so cutting exit holes for them is not a problem, but they're almost impossible to gather or sweep, and they clog the shop vac almost immediately... after they're out we are looking at a form of 'blow in' insulation ideally, so we don't have to open up every wall for batts...
I'm sure it's a long shot but does anyone have any similiar experience with this? It just boggles my mind. I'm guessing it's just going to be a tedious task....
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sacto Diane on -
I'd call some local insulation outfits and check if they offer any insulation removal services. Some outfits are equipped with large industrial vacuums that will make short work of the peanuts. I had to deal with a similar issue but in my case I had 3-4 inches of flour like gypsum power poured between all of the attic joists. It was a mess to deal with and I wanted it out before I dealt with wiring and insulation issues.
I tried some home grown processes to get rid of it that were less than successful. I ended up hiring a firm to come and vacuum it out. They showed up with their truck and sucked all the stuff out in a couple of hours. Well worth the few hundred bucks I paid them to do it.
Diane
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Permalink Reply by Randall Marder on -
It most have been a circus house. Oh just kidding, you got to have a sense of humor when dealing with old houses. Enjoy your old house
Randall Marder
RM Design & Construction, Inc.
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Permalink Reply by Jessica Lemmon on -
This will give you a little better idea of what I'm dealing with. Every time we have to make an opening in the wall, these come pouring out.... that was a box for an old electrical socket...
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Permalink Reply by Randall Marder on
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I never seen that, very unique. I seen old newspapers, rags, toys, etc. never foam peanuts. I agree, make some holes get a strong vacuum and start emptying the walls
Yours
Randall Marder
RM Design & Construction, Inc.
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Permalink Reply by KenK on -
Wow!
I wonder if the previous owners had even thought about the the 'non-fire retardant' nature of these things?
On a side note - the wood looks to be in very good shape! :)
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Permalink Reply by Phil on -
I can't imagine. I even hate the task of dumping these from a box into the trash can, so having them literally coming out of the walls would be discouraging. I wonder if they even provide any R value? They are good at keeping fragile things from breaking, but I can't see them helping much with heat.
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Permalink Reply by Randall Marder on
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If the house starts to fall down nothing will break
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Permalink Reply by Jessica Lemmon on
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These type of peanuts most likely are big risks for smoldering and emitting toxic chemicals while doing so. Also, due to the density (or lack there of) of the peanuts and their foam cells they dont' really provide a substantial R value, though they may technically cut down on any 'breezes' through the wall. (With the something's better than nothing train of thought...)
I have constructed my Peanut Buster 2000-inator (too much Disney channel, I admit...) Will post pics as I can. Initial tests have it working like a charm, now I just need to figure how where to tear holes in the rest of the walls :P
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Permalink Reply by Randall Marder on
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very clever. Your right about the possibility the peanuts could create a sick house.
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Permalink Reply by KenK on
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I like the name "Peanut Buster" and think you should copyright the name!!!
I appreciate the vacuum loop which deposits those nasty "peanuts" into the black hole / trash receptacle.
Best with your intriguing project.
Ken
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Permalink Reply by Jessica Lemmon on
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If only I could figure out the little copyright mark on here... :)
The main reason for the vacuum loop is because the peanuts clog the regular shop vac almost instantly, so I needed a bigger hose on the suction end. This also keeps the filter from getting clogged because I have some nylons stretched over the end of the shop vac hose (high tech, I know) That way no peanuts enter the vac system to slow it down by clogging the hose or clinging to the filter.
For extra managibility I even hit the inside of the can with a shot of static guard occasionally to keep things settled a bit better.
I think I invested $50 into this solution, and can reuse 90% of the stuff after I'm done.
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Permalink Reply by James Olson on -
This is hilariously ingenious. Do you think it would work for rock wool, cellulose, etc.? There's your market.
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