Asbestos Loose Fill Cellulose Insulation

Wet spray cellulose is comparable.

Asbestos loose fill cellulose insulation.

I have never heard of asbestos being used as loose fill insulation but that s not to say it didn t happen. The other two insulations will hold moisture only on their glass or mineral fiber surfaces. 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. 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.

When a paper based cellulose mix is utilized by builders it is treated with something called boric acid to give it fire resistance properties. I have looked at your photos in detail. Spray on insulation usually white asbestos mixed with cement or plaster was unfortunately common. Cellulose insulation is thick dense and clumpy with a consistency much like down feathers.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. However there are loose fill wall and attic insulation which can contain asbestos. Provides acoustical insulation like loose fill but superior. As an asbestos alternative cellulose insulation is made from many different materials including cardboard hemp straw newspaper and many other different materials.

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. Of the three insulations you named. 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. However asbestos can also be found in some forms of wall and loose fill attic insulation as well.

Because the libby mine closed in 1990 houses built or remodeled before that date might have asbestos containing attic insulation. What is loose fill cellulose insulation. Moisture absorption of cellulose insulation. If it was built after 1990 the chances are reduced but not eliminated.

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. The insulation particles have a certain color. Your house was built before 1990. 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.

You may also find thousands of loose particles within walls or under attic flooring.