What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like?

Asbestos insulation was a common tool to use if a building was constructed or insulated between 1866 and 1978. Although it may have been an effective tool, the long-term dangers that it can pose to public health when disturbed meant that a change needed to happen for the safety of homeowners. When asbestos is disturbed, it can potentially release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. If you breathe these in, they can get stuck in your lungs and stay there for years. Then, they lead to inflammation and scarring in lung tissue which can, over time, end up leading to lung cancer.

So, whether you’re doing some DIY work on an older home or working on a jobsite in construction, being able to identify asbestos containing materials in insulation is important for your own safety. Because we at Michigan Better care about your safety, we’re sharing how you can identify different types of asbestos insulation so you know when to call the experts for abatement and removal.

Identifying Asbestos Insulation

Asbestos was used in a variety of insulation, meaning there are different areas where asbestos insulation could show up in your home. Each is slightly different from the next, so it’s important to be able to identify each if you find them.

Types of Asbestos Insulation

Asbestos Pipe Insulation

Especially used in areas where freezing temperatures were prominent, asbestos pipe insulation worked to keep pipes from freezing and bursting. Asbestos pipe insulation appears as a chalky white or gray corrugated wrap that was typically covered in paper or canvas.

Vermiculite Asbestos Insulation

Vermiculite is a mineral which undergoes expansion when heated. This made it a great choice for insulation material at the time. When processed into insulation, vermiculite asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. This small, loose shape made vermiculite attic insulation a common application, even giving it the nickname “loose fill insulation.” In application, it’s similar to the now popular cellulose insulation (sans asbestos).

However, asbestos contaminated vermiculite insulation was also common, although it is almost impossible to tell what is contaminated and what isn’t with the naked eye. The best you can do is look out for pebbles that are grayish, brown, or silvery gold. If your home was built before the 1990s and contains this texture and color, it’s worth considering calling experts to test the materials.

Blanket Insulation

Another asbestos containing insulation that was common was blanket insulation. Similar in appearance to fiberglass insulation, blanket insulation contains asbestos in a spongy pink or yellow roll that was usually used in the attic or wall cavities. It was sometimes even mixed in with fiberglass, mineral wood, plastic, or natural fibers. Although insulation like this generally stays in place for years or even decades, it can still pose a problem when it eventually needs to be replaced or renovations are done that require removing it.

Block Insulation

Because it was so efficient at protecting areas and equipment that dealt with extreme heat, block insulation that contained asbestos were used in places like mechanical rooms or industrial buildings. They could better insulate places like boiler rooms that needed padding to manage high temperatures that would otherwise permeate the area. They typically look like 1-inch thick slabs that are solid white or gray slabs in color. Often, they would be glued directly as wall insulation or to the boiler for direct insulation.

Spray On Insulation

Typically found on structural beams, in ceilings, or HVAC ducts, spray on insulation that contains asbestos has a rough, fibrous texture and is generally white, gray, or tan when undisturbed.

Trust Experts to Find Asbestos Insulation

Many of the types of asbestos that were used in the past are similar in appearance to modern insulation materials. This is why asbestos testing with a professional can help protect your home from potentially hazardous materials. Before you start breaking apart your home for a remodel or renovation, consider the age, the last time its insulation was done, and consider working with an asbestos abatement or removal company to guarantee a safer environment.

Michigan Better offers these services to ensure the safety of your home. We care about our customers and do everything in our power to provide you with a safe living space through professional, careful service. Whether you suspect asbestos in your home or want to be sure that you won’t invite asbestos fibers into your home’s air, call the experts at Michigan Better today!