Is Old Attic Insulation Dangerous

But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.

Is old attic insulation dangerous.

Foamular insulation is unsafe in attic locations. Ben martin time life pictures getty images. Make sure any area containing vermiculite insulation is sealed off from the interior of your home. As we mentioned previously vermiculite can often come with some asbestos mixed into it.

Depending on the type it could be dangerous to your health damaged or simply too old to be as effective as modern insulation. Signs of asbestos contamination. Types of dangerous old insulation. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. A few more examples of old insulation are sawdust balsa wood shredded newspaper and loose fill cellulose. Vermiculite insulation granules keep out of contaminated areas. Rummaging around in your friend s newly renovated attic you notice what looks like a rolled up blanket in the far corner.

This is especially true in old houses or homes that have had roof leaks that went un repaired. Recessed lighting in the ceilings just below the attic over a period can heat the area enough to encourage mold growth if the insulation is damp. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. Is insulation like fiberglass dangerous.

Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building. Seal off vermiculite insulation. Old attic insulation types.

Although most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos there are a few more types of hazardous insulation that are commonly found in older homes. One of the biggest problems with old attic insulation types is that some of them are contaminated with asbestos. When preparing for renovations of older homes you will likely encounter old insulation. See more pictures of hidden home dangers.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Old insulation will cause higher energy bills invite rodents into your home and make the air in your home unhealthy to breathe. You give it a kick and the blanket unfurls onto the floor.

Use caulk or spray foam around seams light fixtures fans and switches as well as plumbing pipes or. Don t store anything in attics insulated with vermiculite and make the area is off limits. And as we all know asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore. Learn how to identify old ceiling insulation.