How to Remove Foam Insulation

Removing spray foam insulation is a challenge for the homeowner. The foam is designed to stick to walls and it also expands once sprayed into the walls. The only thing that will degrade the foam is direct sunlight. If you expose the foam to the sun this will break down the material over time. It will take several weeks to break it down, however. The other option is to manually remove the insulation.

Things You'll Need

• Reciprocating saw
• Razor blades

Instructions

1. Assess the foam insulation to see how thick it is. Also locate any and all wires and pipes running behind the foam insulation. All outlets will have wiring beside them. Take extra precaution near these areas.

2. Shut off the power by switching off the circuit for the room where you are working in your home fuse box.

3. Cut away a section of the foam using a reciprocating saw and remove a chunk of the foam.

4. Make two vertical cuts in the foam along the sides of the wall studs on either side of this hole running about 1 foot below the hole. Then make another cut connecting the first two cuts at the bottom.

5. Insert a crow bar in the foam and pull the section forward, removing the foam block. Continue to remove blocks of foam in this fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not cut too deeply into the foam or the saw will cut into the back of your exterior wall.

References

• HGTVPro: About Foam Insulation
• Sprayfoam: Removing Spray Foam

Resources

• Sprayfoam: About Spray on Foam Insulation