Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

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

Identify asbestos attic insulation.

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. Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand. 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. 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. So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains asbestos.

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. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. 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.

This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.