Old Attic Insulation Asbestos

Geological survey vermiculite attic insulation is sometimes found in older homes and is often contaminated with asbestos because of the libby montana mine where it originated.

Old attic insulation asbestos.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. In this austin texas home the vermiculite was hiding beneath blown cellulose insulation. See this article on vermiculite and asbestos for more information. In its essence vermiculite is pellet like material that expands at high temperatures.

But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. But the vermiculite that was mined years ago was contaminated with an asbestos like material. It is often used for gardening and as insulation in older homes.

There is one type of older insulation that has a significant possibility of being contaminated with asbestos. That is the loose granular insulation called vermiculite. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. If you notice that you have insulation that is falling apart in your building have a professional inspect for asbestos.

If your insulation is in batt form you shouldn t worry. 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.