Replies

1. 
   JeffinPA | Oct 25, 2008 05:02pm | #1

   Contact a local insulation contractor or two. 

   The advantage of removing the old is that you can then seal the penetrations that go up from the ceiling below.  (if the home is 38 years old, then they probably did not seal up very well)

   Insulation contractors can suck out the old insulation with their trucks.  I dont know if they recycle or throw out but they can give you the answer. 

   If you are not worried about sealing penetrations, get a garden rake, fluff up what is there and go on top.  Old insulation is still good insulation. 

   Wear proper respratory protection (mask) when fluffing it up. 

1. 
   cnomad | Oct 25, 2008 05:18pm | #2

   Thanks for the info, Jeff

2. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 25, 2008 09:26pm | #3

   What Jeff said. Don't know if I've ever seen a need to remove the old. It's still good ... maybe even better as it is well settled around the nooks and crannies. If you want to seal gaps and penetrations, you are going to have to explore. Maybe focus on the obvcious or 'big ticket' areas (e.g. vent pipes, fireplace, flues) and let the other sleeping dogs lie. Pile on the new over the old ... I wouldn't even bother 'fluffing' it really won't buy you much (except silicosis) if anything from an energy perspective. Fluffing MAY give you additional R-value, but it would only be temporary anyway.

   If you have any 'can' lights ... they are worthy of some sealing attention. Generally they can be horrendous for air leakage, if they aren't IC rated.

1. 
   brownbagg | Oct 25, 2008 10:38pm | #4

   how long ago did they stop abesto in insulations.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 26, 2008 02:38am | #5

   Not sure. The article in this link implies 1990 ... but I recall that asbestos was actively considered a hazard back in the early/mid 80's when I was doing associated work and the issue of encapsulating it (e.g. in piping insulation) was an active issue when I was doing audits on buildings.

   If you have it in your attic ... sounds like you should generally leave it alone ... as removal may be tricky. Although there may be reasons for needing to remove it.

   DO NOT just take what I said above and act on it if you have concerns. You should have it tested if you are concerned that it is there. That MAY be inexpensive (although I've no idea, but they do it pretty quickly where I work ... but I know nothing about how it is done or how much effort it takes). Also read up on it if you have concerns.

   It seems that loose fill attic insulation ... most times, if I recall, the approach was to leave well enough alone. If you work in your attic, I would use a full respirator (not a cheap dust mask). But even then ... you get it on your clothes and then carry it into your house and it becomes air borne.

   If you have the zonolite insulation ... granular stuff that looks kind of like some puffed cereal, then it may have asbestos. I don't think cellulose ever had any asbestos. Again, don't quote me. I used to work for a cellulose manufacturer and they had no particular reason to add asbestos, I don't think ... just fire retardant chemicals, I think. Asbestos was contained in some other insulation products (e.g. board/sheets and rigid piping insulation).

   Asbestos was a natural element in the mining of vermiculite. Before realizing it's airborne hazard, it was common to find it in many materials. Asbestos is a natural occurring element, but like many naturally occuring things ... it is hazardous in the right form (floating around in the air).

   There is a damage claim against WRGrace ... I read in the link w/ a deadline the end of October for filing a claim. Pretty short notice.

   For you or anyone that has concerns ... you should educate yourself. Read some on line articles from reputable sources and take appropriate action to minimize your hazard.

   Maybe someone else can add some more information to this topic.

   http://www.asbestosnetwork.com/news/nw_090408_zonolite_insulation.htm

    

   Edited 10/25/2008 7:40 pm ET by Clewless1