Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering.

Identify asbestos attic insulation.

There are a number of labs out there that can analyze asbestos for you. Properties built before the 1990 s may have asbestos in bonding agents insulation or the roof. 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. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.

Do not try to remove insulation that could contain asbestos yourself. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture.

Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. It has a pebble like texture and comes in a variety of colors including gold and brown. There isn t necessarily a surefire way to tell if your insulation has asbestos unless it s labeled or you have an expert take a look. Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could contain asbestos.

Step 4 have it analyzed. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. One of the most common types of insulation that features asbestos is vermiculite insulation picutred above.

Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains 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. This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980.

Asbestos insulation usually looks like a loose gray material and it is also commonly wrapped around the outside of pipes. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. If you re unsure if your insulation contains asbestos play it safe and contact a professional to inspect it. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.

The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite.