Asbestos insulation is oftentimes found in older homes. Cellulose insulation is also used during home constructions and is made of recycled materials. While both types of insulation share similarities, they have major differences. Here are how the two building materials differ.

Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was typically used as insulation material in both residential homes and commercial buildings. This type of insulation was fire-retardant, which made it a desirable material for use in construction. As a result, asbestos insulation grew in popularity.

It wasn’t until much later that exposure to asbestos was linked with health issues. Breathing in asbestos fibers or otherwise having long-term exposure to it can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Since the discovery, builders no longer use asbestos as insulation in buildings. In fact, EPA proposed to ban continuing use of Asbestos to protect people from cancer risk.

Today, instead of asbestos, builders use safer alternatives, such as cellulose and fiberglass insulation. Cellulose is manufactured with recycled materials and is equally efficient in suppressing fires. Though cellulose and asbestos insulation are comprised of different materials, they look very similar.

Difference 1: Materials

As a natural mineral, asbestos is soft and flexible. Asbestos resists heat and corrosion, which is why it was predominantly used from the 1950s until the 1980s in building constructions. Since the material withstands heat, asbestos insulation served as a fire retardant as well as an insulator.

Cellulose insulation, on the other hand, is made from a variety of materials. Recycled newspapers, cardboard, hemp, straw, and other materials are commonly used to manufacture cellulose insulation. Paper-based cellulose mixtures are treated with boric acid to give it fire-resistant properties.

Cellulose insulation is available as different types: dry cellulose and wet spray cellulose. The former, also known as loose fill insulation, is blown into the wall as insulation material. The latter is combined with water during the spraying process, thereby providing a better seal and preventing heat loss.

Difference 2: Locations

Asbestos insulation can still be found in older residential homes. The attic, drywall, tiles, and tile grout are where the material is most commonly located. As long as the building’s occupants are not exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, such as via wall cavities, they are generally safe.

Asbestos may have been used as pipe insulation in older homes. The insulation material may be found wrapped around pipes in the basement, utility rooms, and furnace rooms. An outer casing holds the asbestos insulation against the fully wrapped pipes.

Cellulose insulation is nowadays primarily used in newer constructions and may be found inside walls, in pipes, and around wiring. As it insulates the home, this fire-resistant material also suppresses fires. Since cellulose consists of recycled materials, homeowners who wish to go green consider it desirable.

Difference 3: Appearance

Asbestos insulation may come in the form of loose-fill (also known as blown-in) insulation. The product is made from a variety of materials and is easily identifiable by its loose and lumpy form. Its texture may appear as fluffy or granular. Loose-fill insulation does not have a backing.

Vermiculite insulation is a commonplace household material that contains asbestos. Its general appearance resembles small pebbles, and its colors are typically silvery-gold or grayish brown. As a material mined from the earth, this insulation expands when heated and creates stony-looking particles.

Cellulose insulation, manufactured with a high percentage of recycled materials, resembles shredded gray paper. Loose-fill cellulose insulation may appear as gray in color, soft to the touch, and without any visible shine. Builders have a choice between using batt and blanket forms of cellulose insulation.

Difference 4: Health Risks

Asbestos insulation becomes dangerous when the fibers are released into the air and are breathed in. This is the reason homeowners are advised to avoid disturbing the asbestos insulation. By leaving the insulation undisturbed, the home’s occupants reduce their risk of exposure.

Homeowners who suspect the home’s insulation contains asbestos may utilize an asbestos testing kit, which is available for consumer use. Alternately, a sample may be sent to an approved lab for testing. If asbestos is found, homeowners can remove it with the help of a local asbestos abatement company.

Since cellulose insulation consists primarily of recycled newspapers, cardboard, or sometimes even bits of denim, the material is environmentally friendly and does not pose as a health hazard to the home’s occupants. This is the reason cellulose insulation is today’s alternative to asbestos insulation.

Removing asbestos from a property requires the services of an asbestos removal company. Especially for large projects, such as areas containing more than 10 square feet of asbestos, a high risk of exposure is likely. A professional contractor will put into place safety measures to prevent cross-contamination.

Utilizing an asbestos removal company is advised, since attempting to remove the material via a DIY task can cause the homeowner more costly issues later—plus, the asbestos problem will not be entirely removed. While asbestos removal of a large area is a major investment, it reduces health safety risks.

When asbestos insulation must be removed from your property, consult the experts. Call a locally based asbestos abatement company with years of experience, skilled teams of specialists, and the right equipment to properly remove all traces of asbestos from your home.

Technicians arrive on site and conduct a visual assessment to locate potential problem areas. If the insulation is suspected to contain asbestos, they collect samples and test them for asbestos content. The test results determine whether the asbestos particles should be removed entirely or encapsulated.

Whether asbestos is found within the wall or attic insulation, vinyl floor tiles, electric breakers, hot water pipe blankets, or siding, specialists can fully remove the materials and ensure your home is safe from asbestos exposure.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.