Vermiculite insulation was used for many years as home insulation.  It was installed in thousands of homes in attics and walls. For years it was believed to be a safe and harmless product.  Several years ago researches discovered that some of the vermiculite contained low levels of asbestos.

Vermiculite was mined from the Libby Mine in Montana and from several mines in South Africa.  It is the vermiculite that came from the Libby Mine that contains harmful asbestos fibers. There are two distinct types of Vermiculite insulation, it may resemble expanded multi coloured “popcorn” or “chopped brown rice”.  The smaller chopped brown rice style is typically from the Libby mine and may be contaminated with asbestos.  However, the only way to be sure is to have a sample analyzed at an approved laboratory.

Many homeowners are concerned about the potential dangers of vermiculite insulation and the risk to their family. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, CMHC recommends that the vermiculite insulation be left un-disturbed and managed in place, it is also suggested that the attic not be used for storage or living space.  However, many people simply do not like the idea of “ Asbestos” in their homes.

Asbestos fibers may be disturbed during renovations, electrical projects, or entry into the attic.  Air leakage from the attic into the occupied areas of the home may also allow asbestos fibers into the home.  It is very difficult to completely seal all attic penetrations.  Air leakage around the attic trap-door, wiring, chimneys, exhaust pipes, vent pipes and penetrations through the top plate of the wall can all allow asbestos fibers to enter the occupied area of the home.

Many homeowners choose to have the vermiculite insulation removed.  Georgian Insulation Systems, your insulation contractors in Barrie, has developed a safe and efficient way to mechanically remove the vermiculite insulation. Utilizing a truck mounted filtered vacuum system and ministry approved abatement procedures, the vermiculite insulation is quickly and safely removed from your home. The power of the 85 hp diesel vacuum system ensures that all vermiculite material is extracted from your attic through a vacuum hose. Other companies manually shovel the vermiculite into garbage bags for disposal; this can release large amounts of asbestos fibers into your home. The garbage bags are then carried through the house for placement in a dumpster, these bags may tear releasing asbestos into the occupied area of your home.

Often, the vermiculite is discovered by the home inspection process during the sale of the home. Purchasers are demanding that the vermiculite be professionally removed before the real estate transaction closes. Vermiculite insulation can lower the selling price of the home due to the cost of removal and the anxiety of potential asbestos contamination. Financial institutions are now demanding that the vermiculite be removed or the mortgage may be denied

Georgian Insulation Systems, your insulation contractors in Barrie, has a system that reduces the asbestos fibers that are released into the air in the attic; this further protects the home and the workers.  The vacuum also prevents the risk of cross contamination when garbage bags are transported out of the home. Upon completion of the removal process, new insulation can quickly be installed often in the same day. 

The mechanical vacuum system allows Georgian Insulation Systems to quickly and safely remove the contaminated insulation from your home.  This minimizes the disruption to the home and family. The whole process can be completed quickly and for a fraction of the cost that other companies may charge.