Vermiculite Asbestos Attic Insulation

Most specialists encourage abatement.

Vermiculite asbestos attic insulation.

However the vermiculite used in about 70 percent of the zonolite product came from the montana mine mentioned a moment ago. The epa says that vermiculite insulation which is the pebbly stuff found in attics of many older homes is only risky if it contains more than one percent asbestos. When heated to a high temperature flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8 30 times their original size. That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category.

What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes. Vermiculite loose fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos. However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled.

You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. If your home was built before 1990 you might have vermiculite insulation in your walls or attic. It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth.

Vermiculite attic insulation removal costs anywhere from 4 to 10 per square foot. Vermiculite insulation removal costs. Vermiculite in and of itself is not dangerous. Not all vermiculite contains asbestos.

The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history. Installing new insulation costs an average of 1 400. Vermiculite is a mineral that was used for insulation. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990.

One common brand was called zonolite. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above. The expanded vermiculite is a light weight fire resistant and odorless material and has been used in numerous products including insulation for attics and walls.

As long as this kind of vermiculite based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne it should not be a concern. The asbestos found in vermiculite is extremely friable and is the most dangerous type amphibole of asbestos. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics.

Vermiculite insulation has a pebble like appearance and typically is a grayish brown or silvery gold color.