Dismantling: removing it intact.
The research mapped which dismantling techniques work for which type of building element and insulation material, with attention to damage, safety and logistics.
Eleven construction sites. Five building elements dismantled.
Between autumn 2024 and spring 2026, we followed eleven demolition projects, together with students. For each building element, we documented how the insulation panels can best be dismantled: we tested different dismantling methods and recorded how long each method took and what damage occurred.
The findings have been incorporated into the general recommendations on the website and the guidelines in the tool, based on building element, insulation type and form.
With input from the field
During the project, two workshops were organised for the dismantling focus group. Demolition contractors, contractors, material manufacturers and other construction professionals from our user group examined various cases, listed all points of attention and devised a possible step-by-step plan for dismantling.
This yielded valuable information on the decisive factors for making dismantling economically, technically and logistically feasible.
How do you get insulation out of an existing construction intact?
Dismantling insulation is case-specific. Every demolition contractor or contractor who wants to dismantle insulation will have to reassess each time the most efficient and safest way to release the insulation boards or batts from their fixings and/or from the building element.
Explanation per aspect.
Click a title to expand the explanation. Some link through to a specific detail page.
Before dismantling is carried out, it is recommended to perform the preparatory work below. On the one hand, these steps help to estimate the reuse potential. On the other hand, they contribute to the traceability of the insulation, which can increase new users' confidence in the insulation.
Analysis of plans and documents (as-built)
Dismantling trials
Test drillings to detect hidden materials and connections
Drawing up a reuse inventory
In the cases below, it is advised not to dismantle the insulation for reuse. Follow the specific safety regulations for the cases concerned.
The insulation is contaminated with asbestos-containing materials.
The insulation is contaminated with tar-containing materials.
The insulation is fully bonded to the finish and/or structure.
There is major damage to the insulation: large pieces broken off, mould...
There is too much water damage: the insulation weighs more than normal.
There is insufficient dimensional stability, so the insulation will sag when reused
The safety of the dismantler is compromised during dismantling.
To make a correct estimate of the reuse potential, the points below need to be studied more closely. These parameters will determine whether it is economically, technically and logistically feasible to dismantle the insulation.
Presence of F-gases / CFCs
Minimum quantity needed to be able to trade the insulation.
The insulation must be easily accessible so that it can be dismantled safely and efficiently.
The insulation must be sufficiently easy to handle: very large boards or very long rolls will be a logistical challenge.
Is there sufficient demand for reuse: can the insulation be used again elsewhere?
The insulation needs to be stored temporarily or for a longer period.
The insulation must have sufficient thickness. If the insulation is too thin, it will break more easily during dismantling and/or no buyer will be found for it.
The insulation preferably has standard dimensions.
It must be possible to dismantle the insulation time-efficiently. This depends on accessibility and ease of handling.
There are three causes of damage:
through use (age)
through dismantling
through incorrect construction
Linked to these, there are different types of damage:
surface
structural
moisture
On this basis, the insulation will be classified according to reuse potential:
fully reusable
partly reusable/under conditions
not reusable
During dismantling, the insulation must be sorted into three 'categories': fully reusable, partly reusable and not reusable. The three categories must be labelled by kind, batch and type, so that the origin remains traceable afterwards.
Watch out for insulation that feels noticeably heavier; this may indicate insulation that has absorbed a lot of moisture.
In our tool, you can print a reuse inventory of all the data selected in the tool, combined with your own additional information (location, year of production, producer, quality and lot). You can also add your own plans, technical data sheets or photos of the insulation. This way, the tool generates the reuse inventory with all known data for the selected batch of reused insulation. This can be a useful document to accompany the batch of reused insulation.
Depending on the type of insulation (boards, batts, rolls, bulk), packaging and transport will be handled differently.
Boards are usually stacked on pallets and wrapped in film. Attention must be paid to protecting the corners, which can be reinforced with cardboard.
Batts can easily be stacked in large cardboard boxes. This also keeps them manageable and makes them easier to transport.
Rolls are best rolled up again and wrapped in film.
Loose insulation material can be vacuumed or shovelled into big bags. This way, the insulation can be blown in again afterwards.
Damage
An overview of possible causes of damage.
