What is the white fluffy insulation in my attic?

If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed on very fine fibers.

Likewise, what is the fluffy stuff in the attic?

Cellulose insulation looks like dirty cottony paper-pulp. You are also lucky if you have fiberglass (that pink cotton-candy-looking stuff.) These, fortunately, are the most likely things you will see in your attic floor, besides dust. You might find one of the older insulating materials, UFFI.

Secondly, how do I know if I have asbestos insulation? Recognizing Asbestos Insulation. Look for loose fibers between your walls and in your ceilings. Keep an eye out for light, fluffy fibers that are used as insulation. They could also be found stuffed in paper bags and inserted into floor joists.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what is white insulation?

Northern White Fibre Glass Blowing Insulation is used in residential and commercial construction as a thermal and acoustical insulation. This insulation contains no asbestos, perlite, vermiculite or phenol-formaldehyde binder. These insulation products may qualify for energy tax credits.

Does old blown in insulation contain asbestos?

If this sounds like what you have, it is likely cellulose insulation, which contains a higher amount of recycled paper, without minerals. This means cellulose insulation does not contain asbestos and is a safe insulation, blown into the cavities.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Is it safe to sleep in a room with exposed insulation?

“Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association,” says ALA's Godfrey. “Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.

Is attic insulation dangerous?

If the insulation is not properly sealed off it can get into air vents and circulate through the building. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous, but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system.

Is uncovered insulation dangerous?

Cover Exposed Fiberglass Insulation in Occupied Spaces

Disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung, eye, and skin irritants. Children playing around exposed fiberglass insulation may touch or even eat it, which can be a serious health risk.

Can attic insulation make you sick?

Fiberglass insulation, however, poses many health risks. Fiberglass insulation has the same effect on our lungs, skin, and eyes. The area exposed to fiberglass becomes itchy and irritated. If these small particles of glass become lodged in the lungs, serious respiratory conditions may result (Green Build).

Can breathing in insulation kill you?

What happens if you breath insulation (fiberglass) for a long period of time? You will certainly die a painful miserable death. Your body, your lungs are meant to breath in clean air (oxygen) and any thing else that you may inhale, is going to cause you serious health problems.

What is blown in insulation made of?

There are three general types of blown insulation materials currently available: fiberglass, cellulose and rock wool. Fiberglass loose-fill insulation is made glass and sand that are spun or “blown” into fibers. This type of insulation is great for wall cavities and attics.

What's that pink stuff in the walls?

Fiberglass insulation

Is pink insulation toxic?

The only generally agreed upon fact is that fiberglass is an irritant, a fact immediately apparent when handling the pink insulation common in houses. Contact with insulation wool fiberglass can cause skin irritation such as redness and itchiness, as well as difficulty seeing and breathing.

Is white insulation dangerous?

Rock Wool Insulation

Rock wool is usually gray, white, off-white, or brownish-white. Rock wool is installed as loose insulation or as woven insulation batts. Like fiberglass, it should be handled with care, but it is not known to contain asbestos or pose any serious health risks.

What is the difference between white and pink insulation?

Some fiberglass insulation is yellow, while other fiberglass batts are white or pink. Manufacturers use different colors to “brand” their version of fiberglass batt insulation. Owens-Corning has trademarked its pink-tinted fiberglass. John Mansville produces fiberglass insulation that's white and green.

Is foam board insulation better than fiberglass?

Foam board insulation is a great alternative to the very common fiberglass batt insulation that is in most of our homes. It has a higher R-Value per inch of thickness, it's resistant to moisture and is easy to work with.

How thick should attic insulation be?

about 10 to 14 inches

Is spray foam insulation worth it?

The EPA's Energy Star Association has shown that monthly energy bills can be cut by up to 20% when air leaks are sealed and efficient insulation is installed. The initial cost of spray foam insulation is well worth the investment, when factoring in the overall savings that will be headed your way over the long term.

Should I spray foam my attic?

Spray foam insulation is an incomplete name. It really should be called spray foam insulation and air barrier. A properly done spray foam job not only insulates but also greatly reduces the air leakage of a home. If you leave the existing insulation in the attic, it interferes with the foam installation.

What color is asbestos insulation?

The material was used to insulate floors, lofts and wall cavities in both domestic and commercial buildings. The material was also used in the ship-building industry. This form of insulation is often a blue-grey or white in colour. Its appearance is similar to candy floss.

What is the difference between yellow and pink insulation?

Pink Versus Yellow Insulation

The core difference in colors is simply that certain manufacturers have trademarked specific colors. For example, Owens Corning is the only company allowed to produce pink fiberglass insulation, while Johns Manville holds the trademark for the white and green colors.

How long does Insulation last?

Typical Insulation Lifespan

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states that spray foam insulation, wrap tape and housewrap insulation can last for more than 80 years. At the same time, cellulose, loose-fill, foamboard, loose fill and rock wool insulation can last up to 100 years.