For decades, we have understood the dangers of inhaling asbestos fibers in older homes. In fact, the simple act of disturbing asbestos is enough to release toxic fibers into the air. Asbestos is not fully banned, but homes built after 1980 are much less likely to contain it. If your home is older than that, then you absolutely must read on to learn how to safely check your insulation for asbestos.
How to Tell if There’s Asbestos in Your Insulation
Close inspection can usually indicate whether or not your Jacksonville attic insulation contains asbestos. If your home has loose-fill insulation that is soft, gray, and lacking a shine, then it is likely made from cellulose containing a high content of recycled paper and no minerals. In fact, this type of insulation even looks like shredded paper, and it is just as harmless as it.
If your insulation is white and fluffy with a modest shine, then it is likely made of fiberglass. Fiberglass attic insulation gets its shine from the light that reflects off its tiny glass fibers. Though it is asbestos-free and poses no long-term side effects, fiberglass insulation can cause skin irritation and breathing issues.
Other kinds of attic insulation may be composed of materials both natural and man-made. Some of those may pose slight health risks, but any that contain asbestos need to be taken care of immediately. Performing a close inspection can be dangerous for homeowners, which is why you should leave a job like this to professional insulation contractors in Jacksonville, Florida.
Safe Practices Around Asbestos
Depending on when your home was built, it may already contain asbestos in the insulation and elsewhere. Asbestos should always be treated with care because it often becomes a problem only after it has been damaged or disturbed. The only way to prevent asbestos fibers from releasing into the air is to keep the materials in good condition, or to remove and replace them. If you are renovating an older home, then asbestos removal may be at the top of your to-do list.
Attic Man offers a team filled with experienced insulation installers who are true experts when it comes to inspecting attic insulation. Trust in us to inspect your attic space and make the best recommendations for attic insulation. We guarantee that any insulation installed by us will be safe, effective, and good for your home!