Vermiculite Insulation

What it is

Vermiculite is a mica like mineral mined around the world and used in variety of commercial and consumer products because of its fire resistance and good insulating properties.

What it problem

Some vermiculite insulation may contain amphibole asbestos fibres. These can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. The vermiculite of concern is basically which is mined by the Libby mine in Montana from 1920 - 1990. It was sold as Zonolite attic insulation and possibly other brands. Vermiculite from Libby mine may contain amphibole asbestos. Vermiculite insulation from the Libby mine was not used widely after mid 1980 and were not sold in Canada after 1990. Not all vermiculite insulation produced before 1990 contains asbestos. However, if the building is old and contains vermiculite insulation than it should be tested in the lab for asbestos to be safe.

What can be Done

There is mostly no danger or health  risk if the insulation is sealed behind wallboards and floorboards, isolated in an attic, or otherwise kept from exposure to the interior environment. The overall percentage of amphibole asbestos is very less in bulk vermiculite but they can increase the material is disturbed.

If there is vermiculite insulation in your attic take following precautions!

1. Avoid disturbing Vermiculite insulation.

2. Don't allow children to play in the attic and inform anyone working in the   attic about vermiculite insulation.

3. do not use attic for storage.

4. Avoid going and moving in attic if required use walk on boards.

5. Use respirator masks only and not dust masks.

6. If you decide to remove the vermiculite insulation or remodel / renovate your house use certified and qualified contractor trained in its removal only. Never try to remove it yourself.

7. Seal all cracks and holes in the ceilings of rooms below the insulation i.e apply caulking around light fixtures and attic hatch to prevent insulation sifting through.

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All you need to know about Asbestos in your Home

What it is

Asbestos is the generic name for variety of fibrous minerals found naturally. It can only be identified under special type of microscope. Asbestos was added to many products in the past to strengthen them and to provide insulation and fire resistance.

What are the risks

Breathing high levels of Asbestos can cause cancer of lungs (Mesothelioma)  and can cause scarring of the lungs. The risk increases with the amount of asbestos fibres inhaled and duration of exposure. Furthermore, people who smoke are at higher risk than non-smokers. The symptoms of the disease usually does not appear until 20 to 30 years of first exposure to asbestos. Most people exposed to small quantities of asbestos in their daily lives do not develop any problems.

Where it can be found in a Home

Asbestos is usually found in older homes in!

. Roofing and siding

. Insulation (Attic, hot water pipes etc)

. Textured paints, patching compounds

. Old stove pads

. Vinyl floor tiles and backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives

. Hot water pipes insulation and tapes.

. Oil and coal furnaces and door gasket.

. Roofing tiles

How to identify it

Asbestos can't be identified visually. if in doubt contact certified professional, who will take samples to be analysed in the laboratory. Asbestos fibres can only be detected under special microscope.

What needs to be done about it

Don't panic if you think asbestos is present in your house. The best thing to do is not to disturb asbestos material. Asbestos material in good condition will not release asbestos fibres. There is not much danger unless asbestos is disturbed and fibres are released. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. Consult with asbestos certified professional for further evaluation and advise and if and when you plan to do any remodelling or construction in your house.

At RK Home Inspections we are available 7 days a week and we serve entire GTA Home Inspection Toronto, Home Inspection Mississauga, Home Inspection Brampton, Home Inspection Vaughan, Home Inspection GTA, Home Inspection Markham

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