What to do about possible asbestos in the attic?
By admin on Nov 19, 2009 in Maintenance & Repairs
Sophiesmama asked:
the home inspector said the insulation is vermiculite, which may (or may not) have asbestos in it. He said it would be fine to just seal off the attic. Is that ok? Removal would cost about $10,000 but I don’t want to jeopardize our future health.
the home inspector said the insulation is vermiculite, which may (or may not) have asbestos in it. He said it would be fine to just seal off the attic. Is that ok? Removal would cost about $10,000 but I don’t want to jeopardize our future health.
On Nov 19, 2009, pumpdatiron said:
Get it tested before anything else. Avoid use of attic. If it is not disturbed, there is little chance of harm.
On Nov 21, 2009, David M said:
Get it tested. There is considerable air flow between the attic and the home, and the insulation only acts as a filter. If you are to seal of the attic, make sure to hire an air-sealer to take care of all penetrations between the attic and conditioned space (there are many) and have his work tested with a blower door.
On Nov 23, 2009, SIMEON S said:
Vermiculite is not known to contain asbestos. Some home inspectors are more prone to cover themselves with Teflon, that is, put things in writing so there is no way they can be sued later. A good home inspector will know a lab nearby that will test the vermiculite for asbestos for under $100. Leave it alone. Was it causing a problem for you before the inspection? Asbestos is not a health problem unless it gets into the air and you breath it for long periods of time. Asbestos was in the pop-corn ceiling coating until ‘73.
As long as it stays painted, it poses no problem. I’m not a technical expert, but inhaling tobacco fumes pose a greater health risk. If the vermiculite is not more than 6″ thick, blow another 6″ of cellulose or rock wool or fiber glass and get an R30 and keep yourself cool in summer and warm in winter.
On Nov 25, 2009, thor said:
Get a dusk mask on and roll out some fiberglass batting over the top of it to keep it from moving around and getting in the air. If you’re over 40, don’t worry about it- you might get lung cancer when you’re 90 if you breathe the stuff in every day, but by that time who cares?