Answer: Above is a photo of what typical vermiculite looks like. On the left is a fine granulated vermiculite and on the right is coarse granulated vermiculite from. For decades, vermiculite insulation could be easily installed by contractors and homeowners alike.
All one had to do was pour it out of a bag. Raw vermiculite mineral, mostly dug from mountains in Libby, Montana was shipped by train throughout the United States. With large processing plants throughout the greater Milwaukee and Chicago area including Racine and Kenosha , it is estimated that tens of thousands of homes in southeast Wisconsin have vermiculite in the attic. Some older homes with balloon construction even have it in the walls. Other factors, such as proximity of the attic to where our vermiculite removal rig can get parked makes a big difference.
The longer our vacuum hoses are the lower the vacuum pressure and the longer it takes to remove the vermiculite insulation. Call today for a FREE cost estimate: Answer: No.
Companies that do this are violating the law because they are creating a health hazard for their employees, homeowners, and the neighborhood. Attic vacuums emit several thousand cubic feet of air per minute and attic vacuum bags are designed to trap only the relatively large cellulose and fiberglass particles.
Asbestos fibers will easily pass through the vacuum bags and become airborne, creating a serious health hazard. To be safe, and to comply with the law, hire not only a certified asbestos company, but one that follows best practices. Before you hire an asbestos contractor be sure to ask the proper questions and obtain the proper documents.
Homeowners are NOt allowed to dump asbestos themselves. Landfills are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, and all asbestos containing materials, including vermiculite, have to be handled in a manner different than regular waste. Contractors that attempt to dispose of vermiculite insulation without first informing the landfill run the risk of serious fines from the DNR as well as paying for the cost of clean-up.
As the dangers of asbestos exposure become more well known, vermiculite came under close scrutiny. Then it was discovered that one of the most prominent vermiculite mines in Libby, Montana, had elevated levels of asbestos. Vermiculite has since been phased out of use as a residential attic insulation. Post on Vermiculite Post on Zonolite brand Vermiculite. Vermiculite is a shiny gray brown fibrous mineral. When heated, moisture trapped in the fibers steams out, puffing the vermiculite to several times its original size.
It is fireproof, water resistant and a good sound retardant and insulator. Far from all vermiculite contains asbestos. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring mineral composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as times their original size. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, and odorless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls.
Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large coarse pieces nearly an inch long. A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from to There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite.
If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. Look at the photos on this website and then look at the insulation without disturbing it. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color. Vermiculite insulation between attic joists.
Vermiculite insulation particle size relative to paper clip. Different sizes of vermiculite particles. Typical vermiculite insulation.
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