Protective gear for Dirty Insulationj Job

[David Stifle]

Hi Guys,

I could use some advise. The insulation in the crawlspace under my house has come down, as the original builder did not put braces in to keep it from coming down. It's just a mess, when I look in there all I see is a jumble of pink insulation. I've tried hiring guys to fix it, but no one wants to crawl into a space with spiders, possibly snakes too, and deal with insulation, fibers, etc. It's a damn dirty job! But, since I can't get anyone else to do it, guess I have to. My question deals with what kind of protective gear I'll need. Since I'll be flat on my back, I know I'll need googles, a mask, and some type of protective clothing. Is there something I can rent and if so, what should I look for? Thanks!

 

[gadgetgeek]

you should be able to get some cheap tyvec painters coveralls. That way you can just toss them when you are done. you can also duct tape your gloves and boots to it so you don't get the fluff under the cuffs.

For comfort with the mask you can either spend a little for the simple dust masks, or get a decent one (doesn't need to be the best since its only particles not vapors) a simple N95 purple cartridge will also help with any varmint droppings, don't want hanta-virus or anything like that. Since it seems like a pretty big job, I'd spend the cash to get some comfortable gear to wear, it will make the job easier. Breathing through a cheap mask really wears you out over time. Besides, you'll get more use out of them than you think.

 

[David Stifle]

you should be able to get some cheap tyvec painters coveralls. That way you can just toss them when you are done. you can also duct tape your gloves and boots to it so you don't get the fluff under the cuffs.

For comfort with the mask you can either spend a little for the simple dust masks, or get a decent one (doesn't need to be the best since its only particles not vapors) a simple N95 purple cartridge will also help with any varmint droppings, don't want hanta-virus or anything like that. Since it seems like a pretty big job, I'd spend the cash to get some comfortable gear to wear, it will make the job easier. Breathing through a cheap mask really wears you out over time. Besides, you'll get more use out of them than you think.

Thank you. That is exactly the type of info I was looking for. Not looking forward to the job though. It's amazing how hard it is to get a handyman nowadays, This was just one of the many jobs I have to get done, I've had guys come by, look and sound interested, and I never heard from them again. I figure I've got about $5,000-$6,000 dollars of work. Not one taker.

 

[Krav]

While your down there spend couple hundred bucks, and put 6 mil plastic vapor barrier on the dirt under your home if it's nit in place yet.

It's simple depending on the size. A bigger area I'll use 20 foot and 10 foot plastic. Just roll it out and cut to fit. It will keep moisture down, and better to work on. Shouldn't cost no more than $200.00 for plastic

I use a full face respirator, tyvec suit, gloves, adequate lighting, and a head lamp on my noggin, knee pads.

 

[David Stifle]

Luckily, the plastic barrier is in place. About the only thing done right, though. The insulation isn't even the right thickness, but the whole point to my efforts is to make the place ready for sale, and I'm too darned old to put new insulation in; so up it goes, gets secured, and that's it. Thanks for the advice, Krav.

 

[Tyronethepro]

I used to work in fiberglass fabrication. Tyvek Painters overalls, Half face respirator, spray sock over my head and Uvex goggles. Man if you were in Washington state I'd do that job in a heartbeat.

 

[Noctis3880]

Borrow these from a friend:thumbup::

Kidding aside, a cheap leather jacket ought to save your hide, just might be uncomfortable if it's warm around the house. Maybe a shopvac would take care of dust, spiders, and probably the snakes too.

Though I find it curious there isn't a professional outfit you can call for this. I certainly wouldn't know what the hell I'm doing in that crawlspace.

 

[David Stifle]

Borrow these from a friend:thumbup::

Kidding aside, a cheap leather jacket ought to save your hide, just might be uncomfortable if it's warm around the house. Maybe a shopvac would take care of dust, spiders, and probably the snakes too.

Though I find it curious there isn't a professional outfit you can call for this. I certainly wouldn't know what the hell I'm doing in that crawlspace.

No one wants to take the job, not expensive enough and too dirty a job. As for what to do under there, all I need to do it put the insulation back and make sure it stays there.

 

[Jason B.]

More like this,

 

[Mrbladedude]

More like this,

View attachment 481191

Sorry to hijack this thread. Jason, have you disabled email from other users? I would like to send you an email but cannot find the email link on your page

 

[dr_fosg8]

I recently dealt with a similar situation in my crawl space. Had a couple guys out and one of them said that having insulation in a crawlspace that is against the underside of the floor is now against building code, at least where I am. Something about it causes moisture to be retained and causing mold issues due to the insulation next to the wood in a naturally moist environment and it never being able to dry out if it ever gets moist.

They wanted to take it all out and insulate the exterior walls of the crawl space. Maybe that is why no takers on the job is because you want it put back up and not removed?

Either way if you do it yourself, spend the money on a respirator. Well worth it when dealing with airborne contaminates.