Most of the old insulation we find in Bradenton and Sarasota attics is plain fiberglass or cellulose. It may be dirty and worn out, but it’s not a special hazard. Once in a while, though, an older home has something different up there. If you have an older home, it’s worth knowing what to look for.
What vermiculite looks like
Vermiculite is a loose, pebbly insulation that was used in some homes decades ago. It usually looks like small, light, gray-brown or gold-colored chunks, a bit like gravel or popcorn. It’s poured loose between the joists rather than rolled out or blown in as fluff.
Why it matters
According to the U.S. EPA, some vermiculite insulation, much of it sold under the Zonolite name, may contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers can harm your lungs if they get into the air and you breathe them in. The EPA’s advice is simple: if you think you have vermiculite insulation, leave it alone. Don’t disturb it, don’t store things on it, and don’t try to remove it yourself.
What to do if you think you have it
- Don’t go into the attic or move anything around up there.
- Keep kids and pets away from the attic hatch.
- Don’t let anyone do work in the attic that could stir it up.
- Call a licensed asbestos professional to test it and, if needed, remove it safely.
What about other old insulation?
Old fiberglass and cellulose that’s dusty, matted or full of pest mess isn’t usually an asbestos concern, but it can still hold dust, mold and droppings. That kind of insulation can be removed with the right equipment and replaced with fresh material. See our removal and replacement page and our post on how long attic insulation lasts.
How we handle it
If we find something that looks like vermiculite during an inspection, we stop, point it out, and recommend you have it tested by a licensed asbestos professional before any work is done. Once it’s been cleared or removed, we can come back and insulate the attic the right way.
Common questions
How old does a home have to be to have vermiculite? It’s mostly found in homes built many decades ago. Newer homes in our area usually have fiberglass or cellulose.
Can I test it myself? The EPA recommends leaving it to a trained professional, since taking a sample means disturbing it.
Is old fiberglass dangerous? Fiberglass can irritate skin, eyes and lungs, so it should be handled with gloves, eye protection and a mask. That’s why we use enclosed vacuum removal and proper gear.
Will you insulate over vermiculite? We recommend having it tested first, before any insulation work is done.
Not sure what’s in your attic?
We’ll take a look and tell you what we see. REINSULATE is a veteran-owned, fully insured insulation company serving Bradenton, Sarasota and the rest of Manatee County. Request your free estimate or call or text 941-705-0305.
