When you decide to tackle a renovation or demolition project, you’re likely going to encounter many different materials. The insulation in your home is important because it helps trap heat so you can stay warm during the winter months. Alternatively, it can trap cool temperatures in the summer to keep you cool. Unfortunately, insulation was sometimes made using asbestos. If you encounter
asbestos insulation, you need to stay away from it.
The only problem is that you can’t detect this material easily. Once you’ve removed the panels on your walls or climbed into your ceiling, you likely won’t know whether you’re dealing with asbestos or something else. Cellulose insulation has been used in the country since the late 1770s. Nevertheless, asbestos became very popular in the 1900s. Therefore, homes built in the 1900s may have asbestos insulation.
Before you begin digging through these materials, you need to find out what you’re dealing with. The best way to do that is by letting a professional test the material for you. If it turns out to be asbestos insulation, you should let a professional remove it because this material is toxic. How can you tell the difference between asbestos and
cellulose insulation?
First, you should learn more about both.
Comparing Asbestos Insulation & Cellulose Insulation – Primary Differences
While asbestos is considered dangerous, it naturally occurs in the world. In total, there are six types of asbestos materials. They’re made of thin, long crystals that are fibrous. The fibers are very small meaning you won’t be able to spot them with your eyes. You also cannot smell them. Therefore, it is going to be difficult to know whether it is asbestos or another material. Cellulose tends to be easier to spot since it is primarily made using recycled materials such as cardboard, straw, or newspaper.
Cellulose insulation is typically treated using boric acid and other products to make the insulation pest and fire-resistant. It should be noted that these materials can be used in different ways. Cellulose and asbestos can be used to create wall and ceiling insulation. If you’re dealing with blown-in insulation, you have to be very cautious because the fibers are easy to bother.
Once this happens, the fibers will seep into the atmosphere before entering your lungs. Blown-in insulation is considered highly friable meaning it can be disturbed easily. As a result, asbestos blown-in insulation is riskier than others. Once someone has inhaled asbestos fibers, the fibers are going to remain in their lungs forever. Unfortunately, this means that the fibers are going to accumulate and make the person sick.
A long period of exposure will greatly increase the likelihood that someone is going to develop a serious illness. If you’re worried that you’re dealing with asbestos insulation, you need to find out by hiring a professional to test the material for you.
Difference Between Asbestos And Cellulose Insulation
It is important to learn how to sport the differences between cellulose insulation and asbestos insulation. If you live in an older building, you are likely going to encounter one of them. Both are used in several forms, including spray-on and loose-fill. When you look at them, you probably won’t be able to spot the difference. They have similar appearances. From time to time, it is possible to spot the difference by looking at the insulation though.
The main difference is that cellulose insulation is made using newspaper. Therefore, you can likely spot the newspaper in the material. Look closely to see if you can see headlines, photos, or words. When you find something along these lines, you’re probably dealing with cellulose insulation. If you don’t, it could be asbestos. You cannot play games with
asbestos since the material is very dangerous.
As someone continues breathing in the materials, the risks are going to climb astronomically higher. Suffice to say, you should consider hiring an expert to deal with this toxic material for you. Doing so is the best way to protect yourself and ensure that you’re going to be okay. If you need professional assistance dealing with this problem, you should not hesitate to contact Asbestos Removal CT because we are the leading professionals in the field.
We offer comprehensive asbestos solutions designed to accommodate all customers. Whether you’re dealing with asbestos tiles, insulation, or panels, you can depend on us to get rid of the material for you. We also offer inspection and testing services for insulation to help find out whether the material contains dangerous asbestos fibers.
Call today to find out more!
