Vermiculite Insulation In Attic

One common brand was called zonolite.

Vermiculite insulation in attic.

Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. As long as this kind of vermiculite based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne it should not be a concern. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed. The zonolite attic insulation trust was established in 2014 to help homeowners with the cost of removing zonolite attic insulation from their homes.

The zonolite attic insulation trust zai trust was created to help educate the public about the possible health effects of asbestos containing vermiculite and to provide partial reimbursement for zai removal to qualified claimants. Removal of vermiculite insulation can be costly and complicated. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color. The trust reimburses homeowners for 55 percent of their removal and reinsulation costs with a maximum payout per owner of 4 125.

In order to be eligible for reimbursement a claimant must be able to show. Founded in 1919 the zonolite company was acquired by w r. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. Vermiculite insulation was sold in bags to builders and homeowners under the zonolite brand name.

It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above. The following photographs show typical vermiculite insulation. Grace company in 1963. That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category.

Vermiculite insulation between floor joists in attic vermiculite is a popular insulation material but much of the vermiculite used in the u s. Vermiculite from the libby mine in montana usa is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging. Extracted from the mine between 1920 and 1990 this vermiculite insulation was sold in large bags mainly but not exclusively under the trademark zonolite attic insulation.

So if you have vermiculite insulation look into this. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. But in some cases you may be able to leave the material in place with proper. The mine was closed in 1990.

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 insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually gray brown or silver gold in color. Identifying insulation that is made from vermiculite. According to a 1985 estimate made by the environmental protection agency epa about 940 000 american homes were insulated with zonolite.

That vermiculite is the zonolite brand.