Attic Insulation Containing Asbestos

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.

Attic insulation containing 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. If your insulation contains particles that have a silver gold or gray brown color it may contain asbestos. If you re insulation is the batt style insulation as the loose fill insulation has the higher risk as it s loosely poured into wall or joist cavities. Asbestos containing materials acms were used from the attic down to the basement commonly found in insulation roofing shingles flooring tiles plaster and boiler insulation.

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. 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. 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 removal costs.

Installing new insulation costs an average of 1 400. Vermiculite attic insulation removal costs anywhere from 4 to 10 per square foot. Loose fill wrap block and spray on. Loose fill insulation is designed to be poured onto attic floors or blown into hollow spaces inside walls and other building structures.

Types of asbestos insulation. 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. You may also find thousands of loose particles within walls or under attic flooring. Asbestos can be found in the insulation used in walls attics the materials around plumbing and pipes electrical wiring as well as on heating and air conditioning units.

If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos. If you do not go into your attic handle or disturb the insulation it is likely that you will not be exposed to asbestos fibers from vermiculite insulation. Asbestos containing thermal insulation can be grouped into four major categories. Not all vermiculite contains asbestos.

There are both friable and non friable forms of asbestos which indicates the mineral s vulnerability to degrade. However there are loose fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. Asbestos is dangerous for human health when the fibers become disturbed due to house renovations or other actions that disturb the fibers.