If you are a homeowner or are considering purchasing a home, the thought that your insulation may contain asbestos can be quite unsettling. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to insulation—and it can be hard to tell what may or may not be safe for you and your family, we get it!
To help better understand what’s truth and what’s myth, here’s a helpful guide to insulation and how to tell if it contains asbestos. Here’s what you should know.
Does Insulation Have Asbestos?
Yes and no. Not all insulation contains asbestos. But how can you tell if the insulation you have in your home or commercial space contains asbestos? The main manufacturer of insulation containing asbestos stopped producing in 1990, so if the insulation in your home was installed after this time, chances are: your insulation is mineral and/or fiberglass based. There are a few other tell-tale signs that you can look for to determine if your insulation is safe, or if it may be time to call a professional.
Signs Insulation May Contain Asbestos
There are a variety of signs, aside from age, that you can look for as you’re trying to determine if the insulation in your home may contain asbestos. Here’s what to look for:
- Color – The most common type of asbestos-containing insulation is vermiculite which has a specific coloring. If your insulation is gray-brown or silver-gold, chances are it’s time to call a professional. If your loose-fill insulation is a dull gray, and soft – it’s a good bet that your insulation is mineral-based and asbestos-free.
- Texture – During manufacturing, insulation containing asbestos went through a heat treatment that causes a unique accordion-like texture in the final product material.
- Fluff – If your loose-fill insulation is fluffy, and mimics the look of a snow drift, chances are: your insulation is fiberglass based and doesn’t contain any asbestos. If the insulation in the hoist cavities feels firm and lays flat, it may be time to call a professional for an experienced opinion.
ThermaSeal / Lakeside Insulation Services in Chicago
If you think your insulation may contain asbestos, or you have questions – be sure to contact ThermaSeal / Lakeside today to ask about our comprehensive insulation services. You can fill out our online form or give us a call at 800-836-2535 to schedule your insulation consultation.
