Step 4 have it analyzed.
Identify asbestos attic insulation.
It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture.
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.
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.
The primary source of asbestos attic insulation is from a specific mine in montana operated for 70 years by the libby company according to the environmental protection agency.
The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.
So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains asbestos.
In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.
The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite.
Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.
Take a small sample of the insulation and place it into a sealed container.
Properties built before the 1990 s may have asbestos in bonding agents insulation or the roof.
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.
This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980.
Vermiculite attic insulation is the main source of concern with asbestos dangers although asbestos is not in every brand.
Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering.
One of the most common types of insulation that features asbestos is vermiculite insulation picutred above.
If you re unsure if your insulation contains asbestos play it safe and contact a professional to inspect it.
Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials.
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.
Vermiculite insulation alone is not dangerous being a pellet style mineral which expands with higher temperatures.
Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could contain asbestos.
Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes.
It has a pebble like texture and comes in a variety of colors including gold and brown.
Do not try to remove insulation that could contain asbestos yourself.
