Does Attic Insulation Contain Asbestos

If you absolutely have to go in your attic and it contains vermiculite insulation you should limit the number of trips you make and shorten the length of those trips in order to help limit your.

Does attic insulation contain asbestos.

You should assume the vermiculite contains asbestos and do not disturb it. There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Any disturbance could potentially release asbestos fibers into the air.

Although asbestos is currently banned as an insulating material in many countries buildings that were built before 1980 may still contain insulation with asbestos. However there are loose fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. You may also find thousands of loose particles within walls or under attic flooring. Although it is a different insulator there are similar issues with vermiculite attic insulation as it is a very difficult proposition to see whether asbestos is contained within.

Loose fill insulation is designed to be poured onto attic floors or blown into hollow spaces inside walls and other building structures. That is the loose granular insulation called vermiculite. The best thing to do is not to touch it but obtain the services of a professional to extract some samples and get a confirmation as to whether it contains asbestos. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos.

There are many different kinds of wool like insulation that are man made and do not have asbestos but if your attic insulation looks like wool than it is best to be safe and have it tested by a professional. Finally you may have attic insulation containing asbestos if it lies flat in the joist cavities and does not puff up like snow. Vermiculite insulation product from the libby mine in montana is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. Extracted from the mine between 1920 and 1990 this vermiculite insulation was sold mainly but not exclusively under the trademark zonolite attic insulation.

If your insulation contains particles that have a silver gold or gray brown color it may contain asbestos. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos. Asbestos containing thermal insulation can be grouped into four major categories. Another indicator is the referenced particles also have an accordion like look or texture.

If you have damaged insulation you plan to remodel your building or you suspect your insulation may contain asbestos you need to contact an asbestos professional that is. Types of asbestos insulation. It s considered a very natural product and does not contain asbestos.