Need to identify this attic insulation.

11 years ago

Hey guys,

Working to install a proper junction box to house the wiring for the light in our bedroom. Previous owner (Maybe even from before them) just had the Romex sticking through a hole and into the fixture. Crawling in the attic, it's actually very nicely "finished" with OSB, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I got the board up. I'm hoping this is cellulose (I understand it is superior to fiberglass.) I need to scoop it all out of the way to work between the joists and want to make sure I'm wearing proper protection, but if it's cellulose I'd rather avoid sweating through coveralls, mask, etc if it's not necessary. Thanks!

Bonus note, found this in the corner, verified it's a dead nest. had it sprayed from the outside last month, but not sure if It's worth trying to pull it out or just leave it. Do you think yellowjacket nests have a decent R value?? Should the extermination company include removal in their fee?

Featured Answer

User

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Vermiculite will absorb water but it shouldn't stick together. It sounds more like some kind of a sawdust.

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Comments (6)

brandon_crawford84
Original Author
11 years ago
House was built in 1918 btw, so wanted to make sure there wasn't some oldschool toxic insulation I've never heard of used here. Looks like Cellulose to me though.
PRO
Sombreuil
11 years ago
It it gloms together when wet and forms a pasty ball, it's probably cellulose; it could be vermiculite, too, by the looks of it. Also, as a mineral, vermiculite won't burn, really old cellulose should smolder even if it was treated w/borax as a flame retardant.

Casey
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
11 years ago
Looks like cellulose to me as well but if you are concerned, its easy to get it tested and cheap insurance against any exposure risks.
User
11 years ago
If it is vermiculite, it could be Zonolite sold by W R Grace. Here is a good website explaining the asbestos issue and how you might be reimbursed for removing it by the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust.
brandon_crawford84
Original Author
11 years ago
I put it in a cup with some water and it absorbed the water and clumped into a ball when squeezed out. Does Vermiculite do that? I also noticed it's much more "sawdust" like in nature, more like shredded paper. From what I've read vermiculite is sort of rod shaped?