Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.

Identify asbestos attic insulation.

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. 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. 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. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures. Step 4 positive identification of asbestos can only be obtained using polarizing light microscopy which is only available from a laboratory certified by the environmental protection agency. Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could 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. This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. 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.

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering. 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. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.