Identify Asbestos Attic Insulation

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.

Identify asbestos attic insulation.

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. 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. 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. 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. Below we will discuss specifics about loose fill insulation which could contain asbestos. Asbestos insulation usually looks like a loose gray material and it is also commonly wrapped around the outside of pipes. 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. So how do you identify if your attic insulation contains asbestos. 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.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite. It is easy to identify by its loose lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture. This type of insulation was usually used on steam heating pipes between 1910 and 1980.

Asbestos insulation can also look like a cardboard covering. Properties built before the 1990 s may have asbestos in bonding agents insulation or the roof. Do not try to remove insulation that could contain asbestos yourself. One of the most common types of insulation that features asbestos is vermiculite insulation picutred above.

There are a number of labs out there that can analyze asbestos for you. Step 4 have it analyzed. 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. In addition to building insulation vermiculite is commonly used with gardening for loosening soil.

Vermiculite is utilized for attic insulation as well as other purposes.