The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways.
Danger of white loose fill insulation in attic.
Some studies suggest tremolite could be 10 times more dangerous than the white asbestos used by most manufacturers.
Loss of insulating value.
This is slightly different from another type of cellulose insulation which is designed to be blown onto open walls much like spray foam.
Leaving insulation undisturbed greatly reduces the risk of exposure.
This is how i did my entire attic without a helper or blow in machine.
If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building.
The paperwork didn t go into specifics about what type of insulation it.
Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic.
Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.
You may also find thousands upon thousands of loose particles beneath the floorboards of your attic and inside walls.
While this type is often still used older insulation may be discolored or torn and is therefore less effective.
Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
All of those can be a dangerous risk.
Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value.
If your loose fill insulation fits the visual cues for vermiculite the first thing to do is to avoid disturbing it.
It isn t itchy like loose fill fiberglass but appears to be a bit lighter weight and easier to move around.
The most common type that homeowners will encounter is called loose fill cellulose insulation.
There are three types of blown in insulation.
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 the insulation is wool like and gray it may be loose fill rockwool.
I asked the seller about it since it was installed 2 years back and the paperwork he had just said r 30 loose fill and it was 10 thick appearing to be r 3 per inch.
What to do with suspicious insulation.
People have the greatest risk of developing an illness such as asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma when they are exposed to asbestos dust on a regular basis over many years and any activity that disturbs zonolite can potentially release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.
Asbestos fibers are most dangerous when they are airborne and can be breathed in.