Asbestos Loose Fill Cellulose Insulation

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation.

Asbestos loose fill cellulose insulation.

Expands while curing filling bypasses and providing excellent resistance to air infiltration unlike batts and blankets which can leave bypasses and air pockets and superior to some types of loose fill. Wet spray cellulose is comparable. I have never heard of asbestos being used as loose fill insulation but that s not to say it didn t happen. Spray on insulation usually white asbestos mixed with cement or plaster was unfortunately common.

If the insulation is in batt form there is nothing to worry about it is loose fill insulation poured loosely into wall stud cavities or joists that are problematical. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos. As an asbestos alternative cellulose insulation is made from many different materials including cardboard hemp straw newspaper and many other different materials. The chief value of this shape and size is that the insulation can fit in enclosed areas such as walls and can conform around obstructions such as wires and ducts found both in walls and in attics.

What is loose fill cellulose insulation. These non asbestos insulations include cellulosic insulations such as loose fill cellulose and balsam wool batts cotton insulation fiberglass insulation mineral wool insulation slag wool insulation and rock wool insulation. Because the libby mine closed in 1990 houses built or remodeled before that date might have asbestos containing attic insulation. You may also find thousands of loose particles within walls or under attic flooring.

Your house was built before 1990. Your loose fill insulation may contain asbestos if. Provides acoustical insulation like loose fill but superior. Cellulose insulation is thick dense and clumpy with a consistency much like down feathers.

If it was built after 1990 the chances are reduced but not eliminated. When a paper based cellulose mix is utilized by builders it is treated with something called boric acid to give it fire resistance properties. Blown in or loose fill cellulose fiberglass or rockwool only cellulose will absorb moisture but this is only a problem if it gets drenched such as by roof leaks into an attic or building wall. If you re insulation is the batt style insulation as the loose fill insulation has the higher risk as it s loosely poured into wall or joist cavities.

However there are loose fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. The other two insulations will hold moisture only on their glass or mineral fiber surfaces. Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. Of the three insulations you named.

Moisture absorption of cellulose insulation.