Step-by-step plans per building element & insulation type.

The greatest recovery potential lies in roof build-ups: often easily accessible, few hidden pipes and cables, and large panels.

• First remove the roof membrane (EPDM, bitumen) in strips — mark the panel joints beforehand

• Locate mechanical fasteners using thermography or a metal detector

• Unscrew or saw the fasteners free — avoid sawing through the panel

• Lift the panel with a vacuum lifter or at least two people — do not tilt it

• Stack directly on a pallet, protected by a tarpaulin against sudden rain

• Mark the pallet with an origin code (building–roof section–row)

Facades are more complex because of vapour-permeable layers, window surrounds and continuous fixings. Work from the top down.

• First remove the finishing layer (render, facing brick, panels)

• Check whether a vapour barrier is present — avoid perforating it

• Unscrew the screws row by row, panel by panel

• Lift the panel out of the batten with a vacuum lifter — do not tilt it against the wind

• For corner panels: if necessary, cut the corner strip loose to recover two panels together

Floors are trickier because of loading and possible moisture damage. Crawl space insulation in particular is interesting — often in good condition.

• First remove the floor finish or screed in strips

• Inspect the underside for traces of moisture, mould or insect damage

• In crawl spaces: work from the inside, use knee protection and a dust filter

• Vacuum up loose-fill insulation with a high-volume vacuum, after testing it for moisture

Rigid boards (PUR, PIR, EPS, XPS, glass wool panel, rock wool panel) are the most suitable for removal in one piece.

• Always work with at least two people or a vacuum lifting system

• Avoid sawing through — undoing screw connections is always preferable

• Mark each board with an origin tag (sticker with QR code or number)

Glass wool or rock wool rolls are harder to recover — they are often damaged and are sensitive to moisture.

• First check whether the roll can still be rolled up without breaking

• Wear gloves and a dust mask — fibres are released during removal

• Do not stack more than 3 rolls high to avoid compression damage

Batts are often clamped between rafters. During removal, the material is easily damaged at the edges.

• First remove the finishing boards without applying pressure

• Lift the batt out from between the rafters in one piece — do not pull

• For damaged edges: trim straight for reuse in a different grid

Cellulose and glass wool loose fill can often be blown into another building again — provided it is dry and not contaminated.

• First test for moisture and mould by taking a sample

• Vacuum up with an industrial suction system with cyclone pre-separation

• Pack in large big bags, stored dry and well ventilated

• For reinstallation: if necessary, mix with 20% fresh loose fill to restore bulk density