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  1. #1
    Dave Gilstrap's Avatar
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    Default Vermiculite Insulation

    I ran across a home today that was built in the 20's that had vermiculite insulation. I have heard of it but have never seen it before. I have heard it is a no no but do not know why. The home also had live knob and tube wiring covered with the vermiculite. Sorry the photos I took did not turn out. Why is vermiculite bad?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Memphis TN.
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Gilstrap View Post
    I ran across a home today that was built in the 20's that had vermiculite insulation. I have heard of it but have never seen it before. I have heard it is a no no but do not know why. The home also had live knob and tube wiring covered with the vermiculite. Sorry the photos I took did not turn out. Why is vermiculite bad?
    .
    Vermiculite | Asbestos | US EPA

    K&T should not be covered ( known fraying of wire covering is a Fire Hazard. )
    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  3. #3
    Dave Gilstrap's Avatar
    Dave Gilstrap Guest

    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    Thanks for the link Billy.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    Vermiculite covering K&T. A double whammy!

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski View Post
    Vermiculite covering K&T. A double whammy!
    But at least the asbestos will help keep the heat contained to the knob and tube and not let it spread to the rest of the house. (Just kidding! )

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6

    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    The problem with vermiculite is that, while most samples do not show asbestos (I know a tester who took samples from 15 homes and none showed evidence of asbestos) the next sample could have it. It was widely scattered (and supposedly in just one of the two mines in Libby Montana.
    While I think I will broach the removal option more, I'm still of the opinion that IF the material is an area where it will never be disturbed AND IF can be covered with more insulatiion (usually needed) then removal may not be warranted. Actually, maybe I'll just refer the client to the EPA web site and let them proceed from there.
    By the way, I poured bags of the Zonolite (vermiculite) insulation into the attic of my first home. Maybe that's why my lungs are shot.

    As an added note: I just a client who owns a lot of commercial and multi-family real estate. His comment was that the next 'shoe to fall' on environmental hazards will be fiberglass. This probably needs it own discussion topic...


  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Lake Barrington, IL
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    For attics I advise the client to leave it alone. In fireplaces I recommend that it be removed according to EPA guidelines and skip the testing.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  8. #8
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    Feb 2009
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    Southern Vancouver Island
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    So what do you do with a whole sack of the stuff?
    I know. Take it to the lab!

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    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Memphis TN.
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    Default Re: Vermiculite Insulation

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    .
    So what do you do with a whole sack of the stuff?
    .....

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

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