How to know if you have the right insulation

Mar 4

Insulation has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Modern materials such as recycled blue jeans and soy-based foam can be used as insulation in your walls to keep your home comfortably warm all year round. It is important to understand the type of insulation used in your walls to ensure that you keep your family safe. Here are three types of old-house insulation in Chesterfield.

How do I determine which wall insulation I'm using?

Vermiculite

It's a bright, glossy mineral that looks like a tiny mica flake.

Vermiculite can absorb water and is fire-resistant, making it useful in various applications including soil fluffing, to soundproofing. It was extensively used as an insulation material during the latter part of the twentieth century due to its simplicity of use: It could simply be put between ceiling joists, in a bagful.

There are Health Risks that are associated with Vermiculite

To be clear, Vermiculite isn't a toxic substance and can be bought from garden stores. From 1919 to 1990, a mine located in Libby, Montana, shared space with an asbestos deposit that produced 70 percent of all vermiculite sold around the world. There is a chance that your home is older than 1990 and has vermiculite insulation. If so, you should assume that it has asbestos, which, according to the EPA is a risk factor that puts you at an increased risk of developing lung-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

If you've got it, make sure you don't play with it. If you're willing to accept asbestos as a normal part of your daily routine it's less harmful to your health. Consider your storage options when you find that accessing the attic storage boxes causes vermiculite to break. If you need to make necessary repairs that require a hole in the ceiling, contact an Asbestos-trained Chesterfield contractor.

Fiberglass

This product is suitable for batting or loose fill. It is constructed of glass fibers that are finely spun. It is simple to spray on walls or roll into the form of batting. Insulation made of this material continues to be frequently used.

As a barrier, fiberglass collects air in small pockets of fluff. That is the reason it becomes less effective when it is crushed by the box's weight or other bulky items.

The potential risks of Fiberglass

In 2001 the fiberglass insulation was deemed safe by the World Health Organization from its list of carcinogens to be avoided. The insulation Chesterfield warns against handling small pieces of glass. This could result in irritation of the skin and throat.

Be careful not to touch it even when you own it. Using it requires the use of safety equipment, such as goggles gloves, and a dust mask in addition to an untucked shirt that fits loosely. Make sure you clean up after the work is completed.

Wool Made Of Mineral Fibers

Definition: Slag wool is made from byproducts (or slag) which are formed the surface of molten metal. It was very popular prior to World War II. There are two types of rock wool that are molten rock spun into massive masses of tiny fibers, similar to cotton candy.

There are many ways mineral-wool fibers can lower noise and reduce temperature transfer across walls. They are also available in the loose-fill variety.

The risks of wool consisting of minerals

In the same way, fiberglass causes itching, mineral wool's dust may cause temporary irritation to your throat when it comes in contact with your skin. You should take similar care when dealing with fiberglass if you are suffering from it.

A professional in Chesterfield is the most effective way to determine the appropriate insulation for your home. They will assess your home and recommend the most appropriate insulation type for you.