asbestos insulation

**isubeatle** · 04-06-2011, 10:03 AM

before i go playing around in my crawl space, i wanted to check to make sure this is not asbestos insulation. It's got the paper back and looks like fiberglass insulation, but i'm not sure.

**HawkFanISUalum** · 04-06-2011, 10:34 AM

How old is the house? Or more importantly, how old is the insulation? Any idea?

**isubeatle** · 04-06-2011, 10:42 AM

built in the 50s, 53 i think. i've had 3 other people tell me it's fiber glass and that asbestos insulation is usually around pipes and not used like this. but i'm so scared of asbestos i just wanna make sure

**weR138** · 04-06-2011, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by isubeatle

built in the 50s, 53 i think. i've had 3 other people tell me it's fiber glass and that asbestos insulation is usually around pipes and not used like this. but i'm so scared of asbestos i just wanna make sure

If the insulation is faced it's most likely fiberglass. If you have some that's loose it might be vermiculite which might have asbestos in it. Around pipes in your vintage house would probably be asbestos.

Are you wanting to get rid of it?

edit: looks like fiberglass or mineral wool batt insulation in the photos.

**Cyclonepride** · 04-06-2011, 10:59 AM

I think asbestos is typically of the blown in variety

**nfrine** · 04-06-2011, 11:02 AM

Check with these guys...

Ames Environmental: Environmental testing, training, and consulting for asbestos and mold related environmental issues.

One in Des Moines I haven't dealt with is....
http://www.mwiaqa.com/asbestos-testing.html

**weR138** · 04-06-2011, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by nfrine

Check with these guys...

Ames Environmental: Environmental testing, training, and consulting for asbestos and mold related environmental issues.

Or just wear a mask while you're getting rid of it.

**isubeatle** · 04-06-2011, 11:10 AM

no i'm not getting rid of it, just installing a new vent fan in my bathroom and so i have to craw into that area and have to move a little bit of insulation around is all

**weR138** · 04-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by isubeatle

no i'm not getting rid of it, just installing a new vent fan in my bathroom and so i have to craw into that area and have to move a little bit of insulation around is all

In that case make sure penetrations are sealed well and you're good. I don't think you have to worry though.

**jl112481** · 04-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Don't want to sound obvious, but can't you just wear a mask?

**nfrine** · 04-06-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by isubeatle

no i'm not getting rid of it, just installing a new vent fan in my bathroom and so i have to craw into that area and have to move a little bit of insulation around is all

Use the face mask/respirator...you should probably do this even if it is fiberglass. If you need to remove any check with the experts.

**weR138** · 04-06-2011, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by jl112481

Don't want to sound obvious, but can't you just wear a mask?

Yes. And regardless of the nature of the insulation it's a good idea to wear one while removing it from the crawlspace.

**nfrine** · 04-06-2011, 11:22 AM

Additional discussion...

Does Some Attic Insulation Contain Asbestos? | Old House Web Blog

**jdoggivjc** · 04-06-2011, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by isubeatle

before i go playing around in my crawl space, i wanted to check to make sure this is not asbestos insulation. It's got the paper back and looks like fiberglass insulation, but i'm not sure.

Looks exactly like the kind of insulation my parents have in their basement, and their house was built in 1984, so based on looks alone I'd say not asbestos. Then again, I'm no expert, and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so if you're uncomfortable about it you might want to have a professional look at it.

**CycoCyclone** · 04-07-2011, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by weR138

If the insulation is faced it's most likely fiberglass. If you have some that's loose it might be vermiculite which might have asbestos in it. Around pipes in your vintage house would probably be asbestos.

Are you wanting to get rid of it?

edit: looks like fiberglass or mineral wool batt insulation in the photos.

Agree with this, just wear a mask when working in your attic.

Make sure you tape all your vent joints well.