Vermiculite Attic Insulation: What Homeowners Need to Know
Over the past week, we’ve received a noticeable uptick in calls about vermiculite attic insulation—and with good reason. If you’ve recently spotted fluffy, silvery-gold material in your attic, you might be wondering: What is this stuff? Should I be concerned?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Vermiculite Insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated—up to 30 times its original size. This makes it lightweight, fire-resistant, and ideal for insulation. It’s been used in attics and walls for decades and appears as shiny flakes similar to mica, ranging from fine particles to larger pieces nearly an inch long.
Sounds harmless, right? Well, here’s the catch.
The Asbestos Connection
According to the EPA, while vermiculite is not considered to be asbestos, some source mines have been contaminated with it. One mine in particular, located in Libby, Montana, produced over 70% of the vermiculite used in U.S. homes from 1919 to 1990. Unfortunately, that same mine also contained asbestos.
This means that if your property and the vermiculite insulation used dates back several decades, especially if it’s labeled Zonolite, there’s a good chance it could contain asbestos fibers.
Protect Your Family from Asbestos-contaminated Vermiculite Insulation
What Should You Do If You Have Vermiculite Insulation?
Here’s the golden rule: Do not disturb it.
Even minor disturbance could release asbestos fibers into the air, increasing the potential for exposure.
If you absolutely must enter an attic with vermiculite, keep your visits brief and infrequent. Avoid moving or touching the insulation.
Planning Renovations? Read This First.
If you’re considering home renovations that may disturb vermiculite insulation, it’s time to bring in the pros.
We strongly recommend contacting us, we are State of Kansas Accredited Asbestos Inspectors. We can safely inspect the property to determine if the insulation is vermiculite. We can collect any necessary bulk samples. We can provide guidance specific to your situation.
We strongly recommend contacting a State of Kansas Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor. These professionals can safely assess the situation and either remove all the material or perform spot removal—just enough to safely proceed with your remodeling project.
Take Action Today
If you suspect you have vermiculite insulation in your home:
- Do not disturb it
- Limit attic access
- Avoid DIY removal at all costs
- Contact a licensed professional
Your health and safety are too important to leave to chance.
If you’re unsure whether your attic insulation contains asbestos, don’t guess—get a professional assessment.
👉 Contact us today to schedule an inspection or consultation.
Have questions? We’re here to help—reach out to our office at (316) 942-6323 for guidance or trusted referrals.