Vermiculite Insulation In Attic

Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s.

Vermiculite insulation in attic. During the 20th century was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually gray brown or silver gold in color. Vermiculite insulation between floor joists in attic vermiculite is a popular insulation material but much of the vermiculite used in the u s. Grace company in 1963.

That s good news because most zonolite a type of vermiculite insulation falls into that category. 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. The zonolite attic insulation trust was established in 2014 to help homeowners with the cost of removing zonolite attic insulation from their homes. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem.

In order to be eligible for reimbursement a claimant must be able to show. Identifying insulation that is made from vermiculite. The trust reimburses homeowners for 55 percent of their removal and reinsulation costs with a maximum payout per owner of 4 125. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color.

Vermiculite from the libby mine in montana usa is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos. 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. Vermiculite insulation was sold in bags to builders and homeowners under the zonolite brand name.

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. The mine was closed in 1990. One common brand was called zonolite. You can also check for markings on the material or its packaging.

Removal of vermiculite insulation can be costly and complicated. So if you have vermiculite insulation look into this. Look at the photos on this website and then look at the insulation without disturbing it. 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.

But in some cases you may be able to leave the material in place with proper. The following photographs show typical vermiculite insulation. It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. It may have shiny flakes and or small accordion like pieces see photos above.

Founded in 1919 the zonolite company was acquired by w r.