Dangerous Attic Insulation

Although some homeowners have used it in this way it was never approved for use in the attic.

Dangerous attic insulation.

In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. These are thin visible fibers. Video of the day. Asbestos is dangerous because it contains what is known as fibrous crystals.

It could be purchased locally and could be installed by contractor or homeowner. Vermiculite was a common attic insulation product sold from the late 1920s to the early 1990s. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system. If you experience too much contact with fiberglass it can cause what s called irritant contact dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

The major attic insulation dangers from this type of material would come from combustion. Find a diagram of common air leaks here. Small spots or speckles of mold on a surface are far less harmful than mold that covers several feet in area and has spread deep into cracks crevices and throughout insulation. Asbestos hardly needs an introduction anymore as most homeowners should be schooled in the general dangers of disturbing and breathing asbestos fibers.

Asbestos was incorporated in the insulation of different types including attic insulation. Dangers of asbestos contaminated vermiculite insulation in your home vermiculite insulation between floor joists in attic vermiculite is a popular insulation material but much of the vermiculite used in the u s. The tiny fibers of glass from insulation wool can irritate your skin and eyes. Unfortunately almost all vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and is unsafe when disturbed.

During the 20th century was contaminated with asbestos. If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Gaps in the attic or between the lower floors and the attic will let heated or cooled air escape to the great unconditioned outdoors making any insulation you add essentially useless.

Homeowners can also come across fiberglass insulation during repairing or clearing out the attic. As will be discussed in a moment these fibrils can cause serious and even fatal illnesses. These fibers consist of millions of microscopic fibrils.