You’ve probably heard the negative health effects of asbestos exposure, but what if you have asbestos insulation in your home? What does asbestos insulation even look like?
We’ll give you the knowledge and practical steps for dealing with asbestos insulation. Starting with the types of attic and wall asbestos insulation and what to look for to know if asbestos is present. Feel confident to take action for dealing with asbestos safely.
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Understanding Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos has certain qualities that made it a good insulator. It has good thermal protection, fireproofing, and heat resistance. However, the serious health hazards mean it is no longer used for insulation. Before the health dangers of asbestos were discovered, it was widely used in homes and commercial spaces in a variety of forms, including loose-fill, block, and spray.
The most common source of asbestos insulation in the United States was contaminated vermiculite, another naturally occurring mineral. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, before 1990, nearly three-quarters of all vermiculite sold in the country originated from a mine in Libby, Montana. This is where contamination occurred. Although vermiculite insulation is one of the more common types of insulation, attic asbestos and wall asbestos come in other forms as well.
Why is Asbestos Insulation Dangerous?
When asbestos insulation is disturbed, it releases incredibly tiny fibers into the air. Once exposed to asbestos fibers they can be inhaled or ingested which poses serious health risks. These fibers travel deep into your lungs and get stuck. This leads to serious respiratory issues and diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Because of the safety hazards, it’s critical to work with professionals if you suspect asbestos presence in your insulation. It is especially important if you have an older home. They’ll have the proper equipment and know-how to test and remove any asbestos insulation without harming themselves or your family. Understanding the health risks underscores just how important asbestos insulation identification is.
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Identifying Types of Asbestos Insulation
So what does asbestos insulation look like? If your home was built before the 1980s, popular types of insulation likely contained asbestos.
Age and overall condition of the insulation are the easiest indicators that you have asbestos for insulation. However, there are several other ways to check for asbestos depending on the type of insulation you have. Let’s dive into the most common types of old asbestos insulation and our tips for identifying asbestos insulation in each so you can determine if you need to take further action.
Gray Spray Foam Insulation
Gray spray foam insulation can sometimes be confused with polyurethane spray foam, which is asbestos-free as we’ll discuss later. Older homes and commercial buildings often have gray spray foam insulation. You may also hear this referred to as cellulose blown in insulation, and asbestos may or may not be present.
Foam insulation appears lumpy but has a firm, rough texture, and is usually in shades of gray or white. This gray asbestos spray insulation was most commonly used in basements of homes built before the 1980s, sprayed directly onto walls, ceilings, pipes, and ductwork to provide thermal insulation and fireproofing.
Loose-Fill Insulation
If your home was built before the 1980s, nother type of insulation that likely has asbestos presence is loose-fill insulation. This encompasses any insulation that is broken down into smaller particles or granules, resulting in a fluffy product that is poured or blown in to fill any space. It can be found in wall cavities, attics, and crawl spaces.
The particles range in color from gray to silver to brown, but a key sign of asbestos presence is a more shiny and flaky appearance. Because of the loose nature of loose-fill asbestos insulation, it’s more easily disturbed than some of the other dangerous insulation types, posing a more significant health risk.
Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite insulation is a form of loose-fill insulation that has a high likelihood of asbestos contamination. The risks are especially high if sourced from certain mines like the Libby mine in Montana. Vermiculite loose-fill insulation resembles fluffy little pebbles in gray, white, or brown colors. Contractors often install it in attics, wall cavities, or around pipes and ductwork.
Vermiculite insulation with asbestos is blown in insulation or poured in insulation. Age is a good indicator of asbestos presence in vermiculite insulation, but it’s best to get it tested by a professional to determine if asbestos is present, in which case replacement of the insulation might be necessary.
Block Insulation
A common asbestos wall insulation before the 1980s was block insulation. Preformed blocks or panels made almost entirely of asbestos were glued to walls. People often used block insulation in basements or commercial buildings to wrap boilers, furnaces, and other high-temperature items to help retain temperature and minimize the risk of fire.
Some visual indicators of asbestos in insulation blocks include a white or off-white color with a chalky texture. If your block insulation looks like it’s crumbling or deteriorating, it’s likely aged and a good sign that asbestos may be present, so reach out to your local asbestos professional.
Blanket or Wrapped Pipe Insulation
Like the other insulation types we’ve covered so far, blanket insulation or wrapped pipe insulation is most likely to contain asbestos if it was installed before the 1980s. Blanket insulation is frequently used to wrap pipes and ductwork to reduce heat loss and prevent condensation, so it’s found usually in basements of homes or industrial settings.
It’s easy to identify blanket insulation because it’s paper-like and secured with metal bands. In older homes, this type of insulation was made up of asbestos fibers, fiberglass, and mineral wool. To determine if your blanket insulation contains asbestos, check for visual signs of deterioration or a fibrous, woven fabric appearance on the outer layer.
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Types of Insulation Likely Free of Asbestos
Now that we’ve talked through common asbestos attic insulation, asbestos ceiling insulation, and more, let’s move on to the types of insulation commonly used today. All of these insulation types likely do not contain asbestos, especially if they were installed in 1980 or later.
The types we’ll cover, like polyurethane spray insulation and rock wool insulation, are made of safe materials and even have added benefits like soundproofing and environmental friendliness. When selecting insulation for your next project, don’t forget to consider insulation costs including materials and installation.
Batt or Blanket Insulation
Blanket insulation is sold in large rolls about 16 inches wide, making it perfect for easy placement in between studs, floor joists, or ceiling rafters. When you cut and sell the pieces in shorter lengths, they are called batts, which is why this type of insulation is also referred to as batt insulation.
Many will recognize this insulation by its pink color, although it is also sold in a less common white or yellow color. Blanket insulation is made from mostly fiberglass and sometimes mineral wool or natural fibers, making it a safe and asbestos-free option for your home or business.
Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation
Polyurethane spray foam insulation is one of the highest-performing insulation materials and is installed using a spray gun where the two liquid components are heated, pressurized, and then combined. This chemical reaction results in a foam, airtight byproduct that expands upon application to fill any gaps and cracks.
This type of insulation is a preferred option for irregular or hard-to-reach spaces but is also common in walls, attics, and crawl spaces to reduce air leakage. Polyurethane spray foam does not contain asbestos, making it a popular choice in modern construction projects for its safety and superior insulation ability.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is an environmentally friendly insulation option made from recycled paper products like newspapers and cardboard. This insulation can be installed in a variety of ways, including loose-fill, spray, and dense pack. Spray insulation is often used in new construction in walls, attics, crawl spaces, and hard-to-reach spots.
Cellulose insulation is a completely asbestos-free and sustainable option, repurposing waste paper and offering excellent energy efficiency, making it the top choice for green building projects. While you may find old cellulose insulation in your home, it became most popular after the addition of non-toxic fire retardant treatments in the 50s.
Loose-Fill Fiberglass Insulation
Loose-fill fiberglass insulation is made up of very fine glass fibers with a wool-like texture. Workers blow this type of insulation through a hose into attics, wall cavities, or around obstacles like pipes and ductwork. It’s especially great for hard-to-reach spaces. It conforms to almost any nook or cranny and creating a thick, fluffy layer of insulation.
Loose-fill fiberglass is a safe alternative to older loose-fill asbestos insulation. It’s non-toxic and fire-resistant, making it a safe and efficient option for homeowners. Compared to some of the other insulation options on the market, fiberglass insulation is cost-friendly and readily available.
Rock Wool Insulation
Rock wool or mineral wool insulation is made from natural rock like basalt or slag. It is then melted and spun into fibers. These fine fibers are then compressed into a dense, highly heat-resistant material perfect for insulating homes or other buildings. Rock wool is a highly thermally efficient and sound-absorbing material. This gives it the added benefit of soundproofing wherever it’s applied.
This type of insulation is commonly installed in attics, walls, floors, and ceilings. It is less effective around obstacles or in hard-to-reach spots. Rock wool is generally considered safe and does not contain asbestos, making it a reliable choice for homeowners.
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What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Insulation
If you live in an older home and suspect asbestos presence in your insulation, the most important thing to do is to leave it alone. Unless it’s visibly deteriorating or loose-fill insulation at risk of being disturbed, the health risks are very low. However, if you are concerned, reach out to a professional for expert advice and testing. Never attempt to remove or replace the insulation without a licensed asbestos contractor.
- Get It Tested: Hire a certified inspector to test your insulation for the presence of asbestos if you are concerned.
- Leave It: Asbestos is only released into the environment when disturbed, so leave the insulation alone if you aren’t sure whether or not it contains asbestos.
- Repair It: If the insulation is in decent shape, you may be able to repair it by sealing it off with a special coating that encapsulates the asbestos, preventing it from becoming airborne.
- Hire A Licensed Asbestos Contractor: Always bring in a licensed contractor to have asbestos insulation removed or replaced.
Get a FREE Quote With Minnesota Exteriors For Your Attic Insulation
With the risk to your home and health, asbestos testing and removal is always best left to the professionals. Experts will prioritize safety and quality, making recommendations to ensure your home is safe and asbestos-free. Check out our blog for even more tips and tricks from our team of experts. Learn the best insulation for your walls and ways to make home improvement projects more affordable.
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