Category Archives: Residential

5 Parts of Your Home You Should Insulate Before Winter Comes

Now that we’re a few months away from the cold season, it is important to think of ways to protect your home and keep your family comfortable during winter. Here at A+ Insulation, we’ve come up with a list of the areas of your home that may need insulation before temperatures start to drop.

1. Attic

Often, winter is the season of skyrocketing utility bills, as we try to keep every room in our home at a warm, comfortable temperature. But you can help ensure home comfort without increasing your energy bills by having a properly insulated attic space. Inspect your attic, and look for cracks and gaps where blown insulation may not have settled correctly. Schedule attic insulation services in Kansas to address any problems you may discover.

With proper attic insulation, you keep heat out of the attic and in the rooms and living areas of your home. Plus by keeping your attic cooler, you’ll likely prevent ice dams from forming on your roof during winter, wreaking damage later on.

2. Garage

A garage that isn’t properly insulated allows heat to freely flow in and out of your house throughout the year, costing you money. Of course, the energy waste is much higher during winter. So, remember to include your garage on your pre-cold season insulation checklist. Otherwise, expect increasing energy bills and cold air creeping in every time you enter your garage.

If you insulate your garage, one of your priorities should be the wall that the area shares with your home. This is the place where most of the heat transfer occurs between your house and the garage. Also, don’t forget about the garage door. It functions as a large, thin exterior wall with many joints that create spaces where air can freely flow.

3. Exterior Walls

It is likely that your exterior walls are already insulated, but there’s no guarantee that the insulation is sufficient. The most crucial part of wall insulation is achieving a continuous fit with no gaps. For instance, keeping layers of batted insulation seamless is tricky as there are pipes, electrical outlets, and windows to work around; as a result, there may be gaps in your wall that will require sealing and insulating.

4. Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces are easy to ignore as you don’t see these parts of your home every day. But when insulated, these spaces play an important role in keeping your home warm and toasty during winter. Call an insulation service company to make sure your upper and lower crawlspaces have enough protection against cold temperatures.

5. Other Places Where Insulation is Old or Damaged

Pests, mold, and moisture can damage insulation, especially if the insulating materials have endured a lot of tough winters. So, while the temperature is still warm, schedule an inspection to see if you have old or damaged insulation in your home that needs replacement.

The harsh, cold weather is coming, so now’s the time to make sure your floors, walls, and the rest of your home will stay warm, comfortable, and dry over the winter season. Give us a call today to get started.

Why You Should Consider Underfloor Insulation for Your Home

insulated-flooringUnderfloor insulation in your home could increase your property value while also providing practical benefits. This article explains everything that you need to know. 

Are you thinking about improving your home? You might be interested in increasing the insulation. Typically, insulation projects will focus on exterior walls or even the attic. However, it’s important to be aware that you could also benefit from insulating the space underneath the floors. 

Underfloor insulation could save you a fortune on your heating and cooling bills. You might think that underfloor insulation isn’t going to be suitable for your property. However, you might be surprised at how versatile floor insulation options can be. 

It can work with a variety of materials whether you have a hardwood floor or need insulation under ceramic tiles. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits. 

Benefits of Floor Insulations

There are numerous benefits of adding underfloor insulation to your home. First, it can ensure that you can eliminate drafts. This can be useful and necessary if you live in a home that is elevated above the ground. If this is the case, then you should consider adding insulation panels or batt insulation between the joists of the floor. 

This job can be quite difficult and you will need the help of a contractor. If your joists are enclosed, then consider using a spray.

As already mentioned, this type of insulation will also help ensure that you can prevent heat loss. It’s going to make your floors warmer too and that will be perfect through the colder months of the year. While it won’t provide a heated floor effect, the change will be noticeable when you make this altercation to your home.

Insulated floors can even stop your pipes from freezing. This can be an expensive issue and one that you want to avoid through the winter. By insulating your floor, you can make sure that your pipes are protected from severe drops in temperature that could cause damage.

Underfloor Insulation Options 

There are numerous underfloor insulation options to consider and different materials available on the market. For instance, foam insulation is popular because it’s easy to install and budget-friendly. However, if you have a larger budget to use then you can consider air sealing insulation. This is going to have a larger impact on your energy bills. 

Can You Use Insulation Under Ceramic Floor Tiles and Hardwood Floor?

You might be interested in whether you can use underfloor insulation flooring on various types of materials such as under a ceramic floor or hardwood floor. The answer is that underfloor insulation can be used underneath a wide range of materials. 

hardwood floor insulation can help with reducing heat loss during the colder months. Tile floors can benefit in the same way wood floors, however, the impact that you see may vary. You should also research the best type of insulation for your specific flooring material. 

If you are interested in learning more about underfloor insulation options please do not hesitate to contact us today. A friendly member of our team will be more than happy to help and ensure that you do make the right choice for your home.

Poor Insulation Could Increase your Heating and Cooling Bill

Your heating and cooling systems might be operating at their best, but if your home is not equipped to keep the air in, you may be wasting money on your monthly electricity bill. This means that there may be a problem with your home’s insulation. Your homes insulation helps with cooling and heating all year round. If your insulation is lacking, your units have to operate longer to achieve your desired indoor temperature, which could mean a hole in your pocket for the added utility costs.

How Much Are You Spending on Heating and Cooling Costs?

You might be looking into ways to lower your heating bill. The best solution is to call the insulation professionals in Kansas City. A+ Insulation has been providing energy and cost-efficient solutions since 2004, and we have provided our clients with protection from both external elements and high energy bills.

Cost of Heating and Cooling

The national average for central air conditioner installation costs is approximately $5,391, while heating systems cost an average of $4,239. If maintained regularly, these units could last for about ten years, depending on factors such as the brand and the frequency of use.

Homeowners also need to consider electricity costs. We can estimate heating and cooling costs by multiplying the kilowatt (kW) the unit uses by the electricity rate to get the total electricity cost you have to pay to operate your unit hourly.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA), Kansas’ latest average electricity rate is $0.1196 per kW. The kilowatt depends on the unit, but if your unit uses 3,000 watts or 3 kilowatts, expect to spend almost $0.36 to operate it for an hour or $8.6 for the entire day. It may not seem like a lot, but this is only an estimate, and your electricity bill could still accumulate to hundreds of dollars.

Also, consider that it is the fall season. The weather will turn very cold in a few months, and your household will be using your heater more often. The last three years have seen a steady increase in heating costs during the winter season. In 2017, the EIA estimated that households across the United States pay an average of $980 for heating costs during the season.

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Wondering how to save on heating bills? Some households may operate their heating and air conditioning units manually while others have programmable thermostats that adjust based on the indoor temperature. However, without good insulation, hot air and cold air can escape your home. Even with your windows and doors closed, the temperature can escape through air leaks in the walls, flooring, and roofing.

As a result, your units may be operating longer than necessary just to achieve your desired temperature. Not only are you consuming more electricity, but you are also overusing your units, which could damage the appliance over time. You don’t want to be heating your home with space heaters all winter. With insulation, the temperature is trapped indoors, which makes it easier to keep the temperature constant and helps you save money.

If you feel that your heating and cooling appliances are working at their best but your home is not equipped to keep the temperature in, maybe it is time to consider upgrading your insulation with the right Kansas City insulation company. Whether your house is best suited for attic or wall insulation, spray foam, or a Blow-in-Blanket System, A+ Insulation’s certified professionals can help you find the right insulation for your home. We provide efficient outputs that give households better indoor comfort.

Contact us today to receive a free inspection and estimate.

Blown-In or Batt Insulation: Which Type Suits Your Home?

batt-insulationBatt and rolls vs blown insulation is a common debate when completing this change to your property. Here are some of the key points you should consider. 

Are you thinking about adding more insulation to your home? If so, then you have come to the right place. It can be quite tricky to know what type of insulation is going to be right for your property and there is a range of different choices to consider here. 

One of the key decisions is whether you opt for blown-in or batt insulation. What’s the difference here?

Blown-In Insulation vs. Batts For Attic Installations

You have likely already heard about the benefits of fiberglass insulation. Blown-in and batts refer to two different types of fiberglass insulation that could be relevant to your home. Blown-in or loose-fill insulation and fiberglass batts. Blanket insulation that is made of rolls or batts is one of the more common choices but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for your home. 

Batt insulation is available and purchased in panels that are pre-cut. Usually, it will be installed in areas where there is a considerable amount of free space. 

In other words, you should consider it for spaces where you don’t have to worry about wiring and pipes. It’s smooth and often reminds people of a thermal blanket. It can be installed in walls and is typically favored for new construction projects. 

In contrast, blown-in insulation is installed with a blowing machine however depending on the material, the actual installation process can differ slightly. 

Both can be installed in various areas of your home and they are typically used in the walls as well as attic insulation. 

Is Blown-In Insulation Better Than Batts?

Some people argue that blown-in insulation is better than batts for a few reasons. First, it’s better at providing sound control in your home. So, if you want to make sure that the noise outside isn’t a nightmare or footsteps above you don’t sound like elephants wandering around, then blown-in insulation could be the right choice. It may even be the best type of insulation for the attic. 

As well as this blown-in insulation can be more energy efficient. The reason for this is the process of how it is installed. Since it is installed using a blowing machine it spreads out through all of the available space.

Do be aware though that blown-in insulation will not be the best option for every home. As such, you should make sure that you are getting a professional to assess your home. They will be able to tell you exactly what insulation type is suitable, whether you are adding it to the exterior walls or your attic.

We hope this helps you understand which type of insulation could be the right fit for your home. If you need more help here, please do not hesitate to contact us and a friendly member of our team will be happy to assist you. 

The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass vs Spray Foam Insulation

Choosing Between Spray Foam and Fiberglass Insulation

We know a conversation about insulation isn’t exactly the most riveting, but it’s an important decision to make. Not only does good insulation maintain the desired temperature in your home or business, but insulation also helps you save money on your energy bills. When it comes time for home or business owners to choose which type of insulation to use, spray foam and fiberglass insulation dominate the conversation. But which of the two are the better choice for your space and for your wallet? Whether it be spray foam or fiberglass, there are many questions to consider for each and making a decision can be difficult and we understand the process can seem tricky which is why we are here to help.

Spray Foam Insulation

Pros:

Spray foam is a relatively new method of insulating a home or business, but it can be used spray-foam-smallas the primary method of insulation in a new home or business, as well as supplemental insulation. Spray foam is applied by spraying a polyurethane foam into walls and ceilings, where it then expands to form an airtight seal that is also moisture tight and also protects your home or business from pests, rodents, and mold damage. One of the best attributes of spray foam insulation is its ability to seal off small crevices that other types of insulation simply cannot reach which makes it the most energy-efficient method of the two. Another good thing about spray foam insulation is the fact that it also does not break down as easily as fiberglass insulation, thus giving it a much longer lifespan.

Cons:

On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job. Even professionals have struggles applying spray foam correctly because of the mess it makes. If you decide to use spray foam insulation in your home or business, make sure that your installer has adequate experience and takes the proper precautions before applying it to your walls or ceilings.

Fiberglass Insulation

Pros:

Used in 85% of American homes and businesses, fiberglass insulation is the most traditional and most common form of insulation. Fiberglass insulation works by trapping fiberglass-insulation-smallair bubbles and creating an insulating effect that escalates and slows the heat exchange between surfaces. While professional installation is required for spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation can be installed by homeowners themselves and is the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly of the two types of insulation, but if you decide to hire professional help to install fiberglass insulation, you are in plenty of luck. Since fiberglass is so popular and has been around for such a long time, most contractors have plenty of experience with the material and won’t require much effort to clean up post-installation.

Cons:

However, due to fiberglass insulation consisting mostly of extremely fine glass fibers, the insulation material can be inhaled and even embed in the pores of your skin so if you do decide to take on this project without professional help, having all of the necessary safety equipment is of the utmost importance. Compared to spray foam insulation, fiberglass is less effective, especially in extremely cold conditions, and if you are looking to add it to an existing home or business, you may be out of luck as it is often only used as a primary method of insulation.

Making Your Decision

As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons when it comes to the age-old question of which insulation is right for your home or business. With cost being the primary factor, if you are working with a slim budget, fiberglass insulation may be the one for you. It’s easy to install, contractors are familiar with it if you decide that installing it yourself is not for you, and it’s easy on the wallet. However, if your home or business is in desperate need of effective insulation that is worth spending extra funds on, spray foam is your best bet. It may cost a lot upfront, but it will save you hundreds in the long run.

Have more questions or need a quote for your insulation project? Learn more about A+ Insulation’s Fiberglass Batted Insulation or Spray Foam Insulation services or contact us today for a FREE quote!

Why Shouldn’t You Install Your Own Installation

installing-insulationProfessional insulation services may seem expensive but attempting to DIY could be a massive mistake. This article explains why. 

Your home insulation is a key and vital part of your property. The right insulation will help ensure that your energy bills don’t go through the roof and guarantee that your home remains comfortable. 

As such insulation improvements are popular home renovation projects. However, it’s important that you approach a project like this the right way. 

It can be tempting to complete a home renovation project without outside help and that’s understandable. You might do this to try and save money, but this would be a mistake. It could end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for. 

Can I Install Insulation Myself?

Do It yourself installation is technically a possibility. However, it does depend on the type of insulation that you are using. 

For instance, you might decide to use foam spray insulation. This is a popular choice and it works quite well. It’s also easy to install but some of the other options are more complicated and will require tools that you probably don’t have. 

The Dangers of Do-it-Yourself Insulation 

You might assume that there’s no danger involved in DIY insulation however this is not the case. Insulations can be messy and certainly dangerous if they are not handled the right way. Part of the reason for this is that insulation involves different chemicals. If you breathe the fibers in, then they could harm your health. 

This is why if you use a professional contractor for your insulation you will often find that they do use protective gear. You probably don’t have gear like this around your home. 

What Is the Best Way to Install Insulation?

The best way to install insulation is always going to be using a pro and there are a few reasons for this. First, you won’t know the tricks and the important steps that insulation contractors know. As an example, when installing insulation, it’s important to maintain the right level of airflow. If you don’t do this, then it can lead to issues with condensation as well as environmental problems in your home. 

There are guides online but they might not provide all the steps that you need to follow. As well if insulation is installed incorrectly, then it could actually damage the value of your property. This is just one of the ways that a DIY job for insulation could end up costing you a lot more than paying for a professional. 

Installing home insulation might seem like an easy task but the reality is there are unseen pitfalls here that you need to be wary of. The DIY insulation materials you use might not provide the same benefits that you would get if you did invest in a professional installation completed by a trained expert. Professionals also get discounts on the materials that could cost you an absolute fortune so in the long run hiring a pro could save you a great deal. 

Your existing insulation also needs to be disposed of properly. If you have fiberglass insulation or blown-in insulation, you will need to make sure you are following the local disposal guidelines.

Installing insulation yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but there are many things you might not know how to do. The experts at A+ Insulation will make sure that your insulation is installed correctly and will help maximize your home’s energy efficiency.

Why Do You Need to Re-insulate Your Home?

Insulation being addedNo building codes for insulation minimums existed before 1980. With the many changes in the standards for insulation over the years, you still need to check your home’s insulation even if you had the property built after 1980. The standard insulation then may not meet the code today.

At A+ Insulation, we believe that insulating your home provides superior comfort. But re-insulation offers more than indoor comfort.

What You Get from Re-Insulating Your Home

Proper insulation provides thermal resistance around your home. You’ll stay cool during summer and warm during winter with the right type of insulation. Also, you don’t have to worry about heat loss or gain affecting your indoor comfort and your utility bills when you have adequate insulation.

It’s the most cost-effective way to boost the energy-efficiency of your home. Proper insulation helps you save up to 20 percent in energy bills, or up to 10 percent of your heating and cooling costs every year. One of the best ways to save further on your bill is to add insulation to the attic. The ideal R-value for this part of your home is R-38; colder climates would need an insulation level of R-49. You’ll need varying R-values throughout different parts of your home, from the walls down to the flooring.

Reduced energy also means you lower your greenhouse gas emissions, allowing you to contribute to eco-friendly efforts.

Signs Indicating Your Home Needs Re-Insulation

Apart from the age of your property, you can consider multiple factors first before you decide on re-insulating your home. These include your home’s location and its dimensions, the climate, your energy consumption, and your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).

Here are some questions to consider before calling your insulation provider:

  • Does your home offer the comfort you need from the climate in your location?
  • Does your home get too hot in the summer?
  • Does your home become too cold in the winter?
  • Do your energy bills come higher than you expected?
  • Do some rooms on the same floor in your home have a different temperature than the others?
  • Does your upper floor become hotter in the summer but colder in the winter?
  • Do you use extra portable blankets, portable heaters, and wear an additional layer of clothing in the winter?
  • Do you turn your fans on and sleep without blankets in the summer?
  • Do you consider buying a new window A/C unit, a new furnace, or new windows for the sake of comfort?
  • Do outside noises such as lawn mowers, barking dogs, or traffic bother you even inside your home?

If you answered “yes” to all, or most, of the questions, then your home definitely needs re-insulation.

Dependable Insulation Contractor in Kansas City

Whether it’s an attic or wall insulation, we know what to do. We know the importance of getting the job done right. Our trained and certified technicians will add the right insulation in the right places to help you stay comfortable all year round. With our guidance, we’ll also help you save on energy bills.

Call us today and schedule an appointment.

Why You Should Hire an Insulation Contractor Instead of a General Contractor

Insulation contractor fixing thermal insulationOne of the things homeowners can do to save on expenses each month is to install insulation. Homeowners can hire general contractors to do this, but the results may not be as they desire.

Hence, when you need someone to take care of your insulation requirements, it is best to hire a professional insulation contractor instead of just a general contractor. The following reasons should convince you to get the right contractor for your insulation job.

General Contractors Do Not Specialize in Insulation

You’ve likely heard the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” It is how one can describe general contractors. Many homeowners love hiring general contractors because these people know a bit about every aspect of home improvement, repair, and maintenance.

The problem with general contractors, however, is that they do not specialize in any one skill. As such, they are often a poor choice in tackling crucial jobs like insulation. Insulation contractors in Kansas City, on the other hand, specialize in insulation and can solve any issues related to it.

Insulation Contractors Are Familiar with Important Techniques

Many companies that primarily work with insulation have accredited and certified professional energy contractors. These organizations commit their operations to installing insulation correctly. Moreover, they are knowledgeable about vapor retardants, air infiltration, ventilation, and other critical insulation-related techniques. This knowledge is necessary for projects revolving specifically around insulation.

Removing Old Insulation Safely Prevents Health Problems

Insulation Contractor replacing insulationsA primary concern in padding insulation is determining and understanding the type of insulating material. Contractors who lack the qualifications to handle toxic insulation materials, such as asbestos, can cause homeowners and other occupants of the property to get sick. Thus, it is best to hire insulation contractors, as they are qualified to handle hazardous insulation materials.

Insulation Contractors Know the Various Types of Insulation

Various types of insulation exist, and a general contractor who does not have an adequate background on insulation may think that they are all the same. Each type of insulation, however, has its advantages and disadvantages. So, hire certified insulation contractors instead. They can walk you through the differences and benefits of each type of insulation.

Homeowners Can Maximize Rebates

Some homeowners may be qualified to receive certain rebates from the government, such as federal tax credits for consumer energy efficiency. Professional insulation contractors working exclusively on insulation will know the types of insulation that may be eligible for a rebate from the government.

If you are looking for a certified and qualified insulation contractor in Kansas, don’t hesitate to turn to A+ Insulation. We have been insulating residential and commercial properties since 2004. Whether your property needs blow in blanket insulation, spray foam insulation, batted wall insulation, attic insulation, or other types, we make sure to add the right amount of insulation to give you the most protection from high-energy costs and the elements.

Moreover, you can rest assured knowing that our team of insulation technicians will arrive on schedule and work efficiently to complete the project to your satisfaction.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Why is Insulation Upgrade Essential for Your Home?

Worker installing an insulationNo matter what the temperature is outdoors, you need to make sure that you obtain the same level of comfort indoors. Upgrading your home insulation in Kansas City is necessary when your current one doesn’t retain a comfortable indoor atmosphere.

You need good heat retention before the winter comes and consistently cool rooms during summer. Lack of indoor comfort can also mean skyrocketing utility bills because the HVAC system is compensating for less-than-efficient insulation. Either way, an insulation upgrade is worth the time and money.

Blown-in insulation is rated to last 50+ years, so undertaking a project now will give you a lifetime of comfort in your home. But before you earmark a portion of your yearly budget for insulation, it’s best to do an energy audit first to know whether you need an upgrade or a total replacement.

Pinpointing the Problem

Knowing that your insulation has a problem is one thing. Knowing the location or depth of the problem is another. That’s why you need an energy auditor to come by, and do an evaluation. An audit can reveal your usage pattern, where your energy bills are going, and provide ideas on how to make your house more efficient. Your auditor will also educate you about indoor air quality in your home, and if you need to improve your house’s ventilation capabilities.

Energy audits usually come with an insulation service request, so don’t worry about missing out on important pre-project details.

Knowing About R-Value

R-value is a common characteristic of insulation materials. It provides information about the durability of the material, how well it can hold up against heat penetration, and how thick it is. A higher R-value means better insulation and more expensive.

Contractor installing the proper insulationRest assured that your contractor will help you get to know the R-value of each insulation material. The climate in your area is the primary determinant of the material, but your contractor will also keep your preferred budget in mind when recommending insulation foam.

Your Insulation Options

Once you’re sure that you need an insulation upgrade or replacement, you’ll move on to your options. And while there are several characteristics you need to know, you’ll mainly choose between the foam materials.

Fiberglass – This material comes in rolls, blankets or batts. Some fiberglass insulation also comes as loose fill. (Pros: inexpensive, easy installation, low R-value; Cons: vulnerable to moisture, requires special installation equipment)

Polyurethane foam – Available in low- and high-density variants, polyurethane foam is made of furniture stuffing or bedding. It’s a common insulation material, which you can spray or inject. (Pros: inexpensive, preferred material for tight spaces, good R-value; Cons: toxic for the installer, requires special installation equipment)

Cellulose – Made of recycled paper and needs borate treatment to be fire-retardant. (Pros: cheap, easy to install, good R-value; Cons: takes time to settle, subject to moisture, requires special equipment)

There are other kinds of insulation materials, like reflective insulation and foam board, but contractors rarely recommend them to homeowners. As for the costs, there are tools available online that can provide a rough estimate of the expenses.

At A+ Insulation, we treat your home like our home. So we don’t just help you save money, our insulation technicians will pick the right materials, meet local and building codes on energy efficiency, and perform diligent, efficient work to ensure indoor comfort all year round.

Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate.

Unseen Risks: Could Your Attic Insulation Be Harming Your Health?

Asbestos roof designOld houses hold a nostalgic appeal for their architectural features unique to a bygone era. But the aesthetic could come at a cost: dated structures have a higher chance of containing harmful materials like asbestos.

Asbestos dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used in building construction. The practice continued to modern times where it was widely used in US house construction during the post-war manufacturing boom. It was a popular manufacturing material then because it was inexpensive and fire-retardant. It could also store heat, maintain dryness in damp areas, and keep cement strong.

It’s not all upsides to this building material, though. It has its dark side, as well.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos could lead to health complications like asbestosis and lung cancer. Detecting the material is difficult, however, because its fibers are microscopic. People cannot see, smell, or taste them, so it’s easy to unwittingly inhale or swallow the dust. Furthermore, exposure to asbestos has no immediate symptoms; an asbestos-related illness may take about 20-50 years to develop.

Until the formal ban of the deadly mineral in 1999, asbestos was present in about 50% of all residential properties.

Adding to the complication is the fact that asbestos fibers are difficult to destroy. Once they enter the body, they’re difficult to break down. While some of the fibers may stay in the nose and throat where it is still possible to remove them, others can make their way to the lungs or digestive system.

Identifying Vermiculite Attic Insulation

Workers installing Asbestos InsulationAsbestos fibers can lurk in various corners of your home like floor tiles and water pipes. Sometimes, you might even find thousands of loose particles of asbestos inside walls or beneath attic floorboards. That’s why it helps to identify whether your attic insulation is a secret haven of the dangerous mineral.

The main source of asbestos danger comes from vermiculite insulation, a pellet-like mineral. While not all vermiculite poses a health risk, those that come from the Libby mine are risky because they contain tremolite, a mineral similar to asbestos.

Here are some signs to look out for to identify whether your property contains asbestos:

  • Specific colors – Vermiculite insulation has a gray-brown or silver-gold color.
  • Rough textures – The asbestos will have a piano-like appearance as a result of the particle puffing up.
  • Flat appearance – Unlike loose-fill fiberglass insulation that looks fluffy, asbestos with insulation looks firm and flat.

Dealing with Asbestos Insulation

Any disturbance can release asbestos fibers into the air. If you really need to go to your attic, you should try to limit the number and length of the trips to lessen exposure.

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your insulation, don’t panic. Asbestos fibers usually only have the worst effect when exposed to intense concentrations on a regular basis over a long period.

To limit the spread of the harmful mineral, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests you do the following:

  • Limit the disturbance of asbestos insulation in your walls and attic
  • Avoid storing boxes and other items in places with asbestos insulation
  • Do not proceed with a do-it-yourself method of removal
  • Get in touch with a professional contractor to safely remove the asbestos from your home

Without asbestos, attic insulation has significant benefits. It will improve the comfort of your home as well as its energy efficiency. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation energy evaluation.