Vermiculite In Attic Insulation

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.

Vermiculite in attic insulation.

Identifying insulation that is made from vermiculite. That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category. The trust reimburses homeowners for 55 percent of their removal and reinsulation costs with a maximum payout per owner of 4 125. The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics.

The most popular vermiculite insulation in the united states was sold under the brand name zonolite by w r. The answer to that question could lie in your attic. Avoid disturbing the material. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history.

Installing recessed can lights or speakers. So if you have vermiculite insulation look into this. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually gray brown or silver gold in color.

According to a 1985 estimate made by the environmental protection agency epa about 940 000 american homes were insulated with zonolite. Founded in 1919 the zonolite company was acquired by w r. It was used primarily as attic insulation vermiculite was poured between attic joists and wall studs in areas where other types of thermal insulation would be difficult or impossible to install. The zonolite attic insulation trust was established in 2014 to help homeowners with the cost of removing zonolite attic insulation from their homes.

Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. Look at the photos on this website and then look at the insulation without disturbing it. Vermiculite is a very lightweight material which made it a popular choice for thermal insulation from the 1920s to the mid 80s. As a result the occupants and workers are at risk especially if the insulation is disturbed for any reason.

What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. It is estimated that as much as 70 percent of the vermiculite containing insulation sold in the u s. Do not sweep it or vacuum it up.

Most vermiculite attic insulation is zonolite brand insulation and contains asbestos. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. Vermiculite insulation was sold in bags to builders and homeowners under the zonolite brand name. Attic rewiring or heating and cooling inmstallations.

Came from the libby montana mines. Grace company in 1963. The following photographs show typical vermiculite insulation. If the attic or walls of a house contain vermiculite insulation leave it alone.