For countless property owners, understanding the materials used in the construction of their homes or businesses can be a daunting task. One such perplexing area is insulation, and in particular, distinguishing between asbestos and cellulose insulation. That’s what we’re going to take a look at today. We’ll dig into just what each one is, and how you can tell the difference between them. Knowing how to tell the difference between asbestos and cellulose insulation is a crucial piece of knowledge with a massive impact on the health and safety of the people occupying your property.
What Are Asbestos and Cellulose Insulation?
Asbestos insulation was widely used in the middle of the 20th century, due to its impressive fire-retardant qualities and insulating properties. Conversely, Cellulose insulation, which is typically made of recycled paper products, has been favored more recently as being a far more eco-friendly product that has similar insulative qualities. While both have their benefits, the biggest distinction lies in the long-term health implications of each. Asbestos, if disturbed and inhaled, can lead to serious lung conditions.
Identifying Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos insulation can often be found in older properties, typically ones built in the mid-1970s or earlier. It will often appear as a white, off-white, or grayish material. It’s usually referred to as “friable” which means it can easily crumble and send the dangerous fibers in the air.
To identify asbestos insulation, look for a loose-fill type of insulation, which is often located in attics or wall cavities. It may look similar to cotton candy, with a fluffy consistency, but a gray or white color. However, if you locate asbestos insulation, you should always take care to never disturb the area without professional assistance and adequate protective equipment and location preparations.
Recognizing Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a far safer material, and unlike asbestos, it carries none of the same dangers if it is disturbed. Cellulose insulation is typically a grayish-brown color and may appear much more dense and heavy than asbestos insulation. The texture is unique and is not easily mistaken for asbestos materials, being far more granular in appearance, with a look that is very similar to shredded paper. When it’s applied, it’s blown into the wall cavities and other unusual spaces in the home. It’s incredibly popular, in part, due to its high degree of versatility.
The Role of Professional Testing
Since asbestos is so hazardous, professional testing and removal are always recommended. If you’re unsure about what type of insulation you have, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you should opt for professional testing to be sure of the material that is in your home. If the lab shows that you do have asbestos, Home Biotesting will be able to help you coordinate full abatement for your property.
Partner With Home Biotesting To Ensure Your Insulation Is Asbestos-Free
While there are some visual cues and indications of how to tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation, accurate identification should be left to the professional asbestos abatement technicians, due to the health risks involved. If you think that your home or business may have insulation materials that contain asbestos, don’t risk disturbing it and allowing the lethal fibers out into the air.
At Home Biotesting, we have the knowledge and expertise to safely and accurately identify and deal with asbestos, without risking exposure of those nearby. If you have a positive asbestos test result, why take the risk of getting asbestosis in 25 years, just contact the professionals and let us make sure that your property is safe, so you can have peace of mind.