Help removing insulation

[elielinora]

Currently gutting my narrow boat to get ready to go into the yard to de-rust and then get spray foam insulation.

 

I didn't expect it but the worst bit so far is removing the 34 year old insulation panels. They seem to be some sort of foil coated panels. They're very stuck, and getting them off is an absolute pain. The foil rips and the insulative material just disintegrates. Hull is quite rusty behind and seems to have infiltrated the foil where adhesive has been used to attach to the walls. It wouldn't be so bad but turns out I'm quite allergic to the stuff.

 

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas of how to speed the job along or make it easier/less messy? The disintegrating is the worst bit for me. I have to do it myself due to funds and time, and yes I'm wearing lot of protective equipment (so sweaty!), but it's still seems to find a way of getting to my skin and lungs. and I'm restricted to battery powered tools.

 

Thanks for any ideas!

 

 

[Silent Flight]

Sounds tricky. Maybe slice the boards in sections. Cut a small square back to metal so you can get behind the board from different angles to try and pry a sliced section off at a time. I done this job a few months ago and found using a the claw on a claw hammer worked well for me. Sure some others will have input. Good luck

[rusty69]

To add to the above, once you get in behind,how about a flat scraper with a sharpened blade, followed up with something like this to get the stubborn bits off.

[system 4-50]

Get the best facemasks you can, ones that filter out mild organic vapours are best.  Once you damage your lungs you are stuck with it for life.  I took some precautions in my boat building but not enough, and now I get headaches on the smallest exposure to eg WD40 fumes.

Would a multitool help? eg

Quote

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcs355n-xj-18v-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-oscillating-multi-tool-bare/1210g

 

Edited June 2, 2023 by system 4-50

[Peanut]

How about using a long handled scraper like this:

 

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Professional-Heavy-Duty-Scraper---150mm/p/190002

 

It would keep you further away from the foam, and might be easier to remove the bulk of it, and less bending down.

[BEngo]

I would start with a garden border spade  and then try a multi tool with a scraper blade.

 

N

[elielinora]

I do already have a multi tool, which is great! But also does create of dust... Face masks a plenty here, but will deff check when I go back to it that I've got a good enough one

On 02/06/2023 at 14:30, Peanut said:

How about using a long handled scraper like this:

 

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Professional-Heavy-Duty-Scraper---150mm/p/190002

 

It would keep you further away from the foam, and might be easier to remove the bulk of it, and less bending down.

Very good shout

Ah I've messed up the replies and quotes, but hopefully it's clear which people Ive replied to!

[ditchcrawler]

May be an air hood