FAQs on how to identify types of insulation used in buildings & their mechanical systems:

This article series provides details about all types of building insulation, identifying each type of insulation.

We illustrate and include photographs of insulation materials that would not be expected to contain asbestos as well as asbestos-containing materials.

Q&A on How to Identify Insulation Materials

These questions & answers about identification of various kinds of building insulation by visual inspection were posted originally

at INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE - be sure to see that article.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2021-03-22 by (mod)

@Brent O, looks like fibrous material, perhaps rock wool; in the background of your photo we may be seeing loose-fill cellulose insulation. I'd need a closer look

On 2021-03-22 by Brent O

Working in my attic and found this very dark grey insulation beneath the newer spray in insulation. Its very blown fiberglass like. Has a shine to it. But very dark( the picture makes it look lighter than it actually is) House from 1955.

Anyone know if I should be worried? This is our first home we just purchased and want to make sure we are safe!

On 2021-03-20 by (mod)

@Lynne McGoldrick,

Some sources I've found list and include photos of the covering or wrapping Johns Manville Super Felt "long fibre" insulating batts, tan kraft paper faced with blue inked imprint, included on pages listing Johns Manville products that in fact contained asbestos.

I'm not sure that that's borne out by independent tests of this specific insulation product as it looks as if it was a mineral wool or rock wool product for which I've not found a lab test result.

The jury wil remain out unless you are of a mind to have a sample of your Sjper Felt batt insulation tested for asbestos. If you do, please keep me posted as that result will be valuable for others as well.

I'll include this discussion where it may fit better at

ASBESTOS IN MINERAL WOOL / STONE WOOL inspectapedia.com/insulation/Mineral-Wool-Asbestos.php

There you'll find a more-detailed reply.

You'd help us both out if you could post some photos (one per comment) of your insulating batts, the writing on the batts, and a view of the actual insulating material.

If you decide to have the material tested for asbestos please keep me posted. .

On 2021-03-20 by Lynne McGoldrick

does John=Mainville super felt Batt insulation contain asbestos

On 2021-02-05 by (mod) - recent chopped fiberglass & older fiberglass or 1950s mineral wool insulation

JVM

Thanks for the photo and question; that older darker-colored fibrous insulation is either mineral wool or a fiberlass product. Most-likely it's mineral wool.

The pink insulation looks a bit chopped up fiberglass insulating material - that woud be common if it was added by pouring or blowing-in fiberglass loose-fill insulation .

On 2021-02-05 by JVM

We seem to have two layers in a house we bought. The top layer is 'pink fiberglass' what is this bottom layer? The house was built in 1953.

On 2021-02-05 - by (mod) -

Thank you John, we have worked hard on InspectApedia.com's data for nearly 20 years so I'm particularly grateful when readers find the site useful. Your questions, comments, and criticism also are always welcome and always helpful.

On 2021-02-05 by John

Just wanted to say thanks for the reply. I do appreciate it, and your site has been a wealth of information as I've looked through it! Thanks!

On 2021-02-03 by (mod) - materials used to patch hold cut into roof sheathing - watch out for asbestos from cut-open insulated metal chimney sections

John I can't say with confidence what that is, though a guess would be a gypsum board or an asbestos-cement board that someone used to "patch" a roof sheathing cutout where perhaps previously there was a vent or chimney.

I would treat any fiber cement board material as presumed to contain asbestos or if you face a large expense, then test it.

Later addition: Enlarging our photo I thik I see fiberglass or a similar material as part of that roof sheathing patch job in the attic, and what looks like galvanized metal or maybe just roofing felt over the hole atop the roof deck - (can't quite say from the photo).

Watch out: The gray fibrous material in your prior photos is a bit unusual: I'm not sure what we've got there; I'd have guessed a mineral wool material but some of it looks as if it almost crumbles to dust.

Watch out: If someone cut up an old insulated metal chimney such as a multi-wall "metalbestos" flue or similar material, then it is very possible, even likely, that that insulation is an asbestos product.

I'd avoid tracking that dust into the building, wear appropriate PPE, and if there's more than a trivial amount, either give me a sharp close-up look or have a sample tested for asbestos. And let me know what you're told.

On 2021-02-01 by John

Sorry if this is a duplication, but didn't see the photo attached to my first post. This is the first insulation inside the chimney.

On 2021-02-01 by John

One more of the grey fibers...

Thanks for your help!||

Here's a close up of the light grey fibers.

On 2021-02-01 by John

Hi, I was attempting to remove some old chimney piping in my attic. It's steel with a printed brick pattern on the outside and hasn't been used for many years (it used to be connected to an oil furnace I'm told by the previous owner).

After cutting into it I realized there was insulation, and seemingly two types? This first picture shows the darker insulation inside the cutaway, with a lot of the other type (light grey) that's fallen around the base. The next two pictures are the second type, a light grey, fibrous material. Any chance these are (or contain) asbestos?

On 2021-01-02 - by (mod) -

James

That's most likely mineral wool

On 2021-01-02 y james

Purchasing a house that was built in the 1860s in the north east.
Found this insulation in the attic and also in the basement along the exterior wall header cavities. It is also falling down on to the basement floor. Wondering how concerned I should be that it could contain asbestos. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!

On 2020-12-08 by JB

In this photo you can see how it gets dusty once it breaks down.

On 2020-10-06 by (mod)

Hi Billy;

you posted this question on another page where I replied that it looks like vermiculite insulation - see

VERMICULITE INSULATION

On 2020-10-06 by Billy

Any idea what this is? Feels and looks like cork. It’s in an old drop ceiling. Thanks

On 2020-10-05- by (mod) -

Looks like mineral wool

On 2020-10-03 by Diana

One more picture to get a better view!

On 2020-09-24 - by (mod) -

Nick

Try using the "add image" button - you can add one image per comment.

Generally moldy insulation cannot be cleaned; it needs to be removed and the exposed hard surfaces cleaned before re-insulating.

First be sure it's truly mold.

On 2020-09-24 by Nick

Does anyone know the type of this insulation. It is sprayed on in the basement of a commercial store and it has mold on it. It is soft and flakes off like a powder when brushed. I would also like to know how to address the mold.

thanks

On 2020-09-23 - by (mod) -

Carl: that is certainly a sprayed-on insulation; if it was Jute it'd have been chopped up in order to spray it into place, along with an adhesive.

In your bagged sample the insulation looks like chopped mineral wool or fiberglass,

But I can't make a confident ID from the photo. You'd to post a sharper enlarged photo here or you'll need a microscopic examination or more historical information about the building and when this spray-on insulation was applied to know for sure what this is.

On 2020-09-23 by Carl D.

Here is a picture of the gym that the sample fell off of. Sorry it is an old pic and it was hard to photograph.

We have been asked to identify an insulation that appears to have been sprayed on the underside of a wood joist and deck in a 1940's gym addition to a school.

The material is a light brown color. It has an appearance of a cellulose insulation but it is pretty solid and holds together on the underside of ceiling. It has started falling off in chunks, but it is not loose like other cellulose insulation that I have seen.

If you lightly pinch it it will bounce back in shape. The owner of the building has tried to light it on fire but it will not catch, so I don't know if this is purely an insulation material or if it was acting as a fireproofing material too.

It almost looks like modern pressed jute insulation, but I thought older jute insulation is very fibrous and stringy looking. Also, this appears to be a sprayed on material and not a board material. Any ideas will help us give them a direction with what to do with it.

 

On 2020-09-14 - by (mod) -

Alice

That looks like a mix of loose fill cellulose and mineral wool or fiberglass insulation.

On 2020-09-14 by Alice

I was told that this material exists in an isolated area of our attic.
Is it asbestos?

On 2020-09-14 - by (mod) -

Rob,

That looks like mineral wool insulation

On 2020-09-14 by Rob

Moved into anew place and was putting some things away in the attic. The floor boards stopped and the insulation was exposed in some areas. The house was built in 1947. Can you help me identify.

On 2020-09-11 - by (mod) -

Thank you for the kind comment, Mike. We've worked hard on this resource for over twenty years, so I'm particularly grateful when readers find it useful. We also welcome your criticism, questions, content suggestions and photos.

Daniel

On 2020-09-11 by Mike M.

That is what I was thinking and I appreciate the confirmation (the second opinion will make my wife feel better for sure!). Thanks for taking the time. This site is one of the most useful resources on the internet!

On 2020-09-11 by Anonymous

Mike:

In your photo we see loose-fill or blown-in chopped white fiberglass insulation, pink fiberglass insulating batts, and yes, that brownish-gray stuff is probably cellulose (chopped newsprint) insulation.

On 2020-09-11 by Mike M.

Been working in the attic of my 1946 home doing some rewiring. There is 3 layers of insulation in here from previous owners for some unknown reason. Starting from the top is a super tall fluffy white blown in insulation. This is new within the past 20 years. It seems to be papery material. Not looking to identify this. Then there are some pink fiberglass bats under that (only in certain places for some reason).

Then the layer closest to the ceiling joists (i.e. most likely the original insulation) is what you see in the picture. It is about 3" deep and while it looks a little clumpy, it is super fine, almost powdery by feel. Grabbing with gloved hand almost reminds me of flour

It compresses pretty tightly. Doesn't dissolve in water and when flame is applied, it embers up and chars, but does not catch. Once flame is removed, ember immediately goes out and it smokes a bit. The smoke smells like paper or wood (almost smells like patchouli incense even.

Not fibrous, but more cellulostic in nature. I am thinking a paper or cellulose product. Just curious what you all think.

On 2020-09-11 1 by Anonymous

RS

I see what looks like wet mineral wool, kraft-paper faced insulating batts. I would remove any wet insulation, dry out the area, fix the moisture or water source, then re-insulate.

On 2020-09-11 by RS - Ohio 1960s Ranch Home Insulation marked "Forty-Eight Insulations"

Hello! We have a 1960's ranch in Columbus OH where I opened up our soffit to find this black faced barrier made by "forty-eight insulations" that has loose fill fiberglass insulation on top of it as our attic insulation. Is this mineral wool? The black facing is paper like. Thanks!

On 2020-09-08 by (mod)

Yes, the white and yellow insulation are most-likely fiberglass. HEPA-vac if you have a lot of such dust; dampwipe hard surfaces. It's normal and common to find some insulation fibres in indoor dust, but high levels ought to be cleaned and the source fixed;

I'm moving our conversation to the bottom of the article above in a Q&A section where your photos and our comments will appear; you may need to clear or refresh your browser cache in about 10 minutes - to see the updated page.

On 2020-09-08 by Y

Really appreciate your help! Do you think the white stuff is also fiberglass? If so, I assume it’s not the safest thing to have floating around and we should continue to keep our pets (and ourselves) away as much as possible?

On 2020-09-08 - by (mod) -

Recognize white & yellow fiberglass insulation

Yes, the white and yellow insulation are most-likely fiberglass. HEPA-vac if you have a lot of such dust; dampwipe hard surfaces. It's normal and common to find some insulation fibres in indoor dust, but high levels ought to be cleaned and the source fixed;

Also see details at

• WHITE FIBERGLASS INSULATION
• YELLOW FIBERGLASS INSULATION
  

On 2020-09-08 by Y

Really appreciate your help! Do you think the white stuff is also fiberglass? If so, I assume it’s not the safest thing to have floating around and we should continue to keep our pets (and ourselves) away as much as possible?

On 2020-09-08 - by (mod) -

Katie

That's Certainteed fiberglass insulation. You can see the product MSDS here:

CERTAINTEED FIBERGLASS INSULATION SDS [PDF]

On 2020-09-07 by Katie Nelson

Thank you so much for your help, Mr.Friedman!

On 2020-09-07 by Katie Nelson

Thank you so much for your quick response. (My apologies for the accidental comment below.)

On 2020-09-07 - by (mod) -

Katie that view is a bit distant but I suspect we're seeing white fiberglass insulation. Post additional photos (one per comment) showing any markings or stamps on the "brown paper" wrapping and showing a sharp-focused closeup of the material if you can.

For an outdoor spill of insulation such as in your photo I use a large shop vac to clean up the mess as otherwise it'll linger and be unsightly.

On 2020-09-07 by Katie Nelson

Can you please help identify this insulation? I have more pictures if needed. Some of it comes in big sheets with the standard looking “brown paper” covering one side and the “sparkly” yellow cotton candy looking material on the other side.

We also have these clumps of white fuzz which have been blowing around our complex for 4 weeks.

I try to rake it up, but it’s nearly pointless. We’re concerned about our pets’ health, so wondering if someone can help me identify and possibly recommend a more effective “cleanup” idea.

Our property managers have assured us it’s not fiberglass, but it looks very much like fiberglass to my untrained eyes. I trust my gut and don’t want to risk harming our animals.

On 2020-08-25 by Mh

I have an old black insulation that looks like corrugated paper and falls apart when touched im assuming cause is old, burns green

On 2020-08-08 - by (mod) - 1960's hair-like board insulation product?

RT

Thank you so much for the question and photo; it's a treat to see an insulation material that's unfamiliar; I agree that it sure looks like hair, except too much too uniform; save a sample and when we're past COVID and I can look at it under the microscope I can perhaps identify the fiber.

I'd also like to see a photo of the edge of an intact insulating board of this material.

It's also possible this is a vegetable fibre such as jute.

On 2020-08-05 by rtoddmann

Trying to identify this board insulation product [shown above]. Appears to be formed hair with some sort of paint coating.

Detected on underside of 1963 metal building structure. Any ideas please advise, thanks.

On 2020-08-02 - by (mod) -

Looks like mineral wool.

On 2020-08-02 by clifford - white fibrous insulation in a 1920s Canadian home

Hi - any thoughts on what this might be?
In an attic, house built ~1920 in Ontario, Canada; attic may have been insulated in a reno dating sometime between then and 1970ish

On 2020-07-27 - by (mod) -

James that looks like white fiberglass.

See details

at Johns Manvlle Spintsulation Fiberglass Insulation (C) InspectApedia.com

See FIBERGLASS INSULATION IDENTIFICATION & PROPERTIES - properties for a key to identifying fiberglass building insulation brands & products.

On 2020-07-27 by James

Here's the photo. [Above]

Thank you for your response.

Here's another photo that might help. If its fiberglass, but it is compacted and disintegrating, should I pull it out and just start fresh or just add on top? I didn't see any markings on the paper, the paper is just black.

I'll look at some other sections for markings.

On 2020-07-26 - by (mod) -

The photo is a bit blurry but it looks like white fiberglass. Mineral wool, the other candidate is usually more coarse.

See if you can find markings on the kraft paper wrapping.

On 2020-07-26 by James - identify insulation in a 1944 home in Virginia

I am trying to identify the type of insulation in my attic. 5he house was built in 1944 and is northern Virginia.

I suspect the insulation is original. It looks to be a white, batt-type insulation. It has a sparkle or shine in the sunlight.

Due to the age, it disintegrates into dust when I compress it between my fingers. Also, should I remove this before adding new insulation?

On 2020-07-27 by Tim Farley

Thanks. So, in your opinion, should I be concerned about asbestos?

On 2020-07-25 8 - by (mod) -

Tim to me that looks more like mineral wool or rock wool - similar to fiberglass.

On 2020-07-24 by timfarley2014

Does this [above] look like fiberglass insulation, just dirty? Our house was built in the 1920s. Found in a crevice in my daughter's room. Want to make sure it's not an asbestos hazard

I found this insulation sticking out of a crevice in a bedroom closet. Looks like dirty fiberglass to me - definitely has fine fibers. Hoping you can confirm this so I can stop worrying about asbestos.

On 2020-07-24 - by (mod) -

Charles:

I see what looks like plasterboard used as a plaster base.

Help me out: what is "old larve and plaster" ?

And give me the country, city, and age of the building where this ceiling is found.

Thanks

On 2020-07-23 by CHARLES

Can anyone identify this? Thick board covering an old larve and plaster ceiling on a small section within a room.

On 2020-07-21 - by (mod) -

Cant quite make it out, but i think i see small fibers as in rock wool or chopped fibergass

On 2020-07-21 by Luna

So the second photo looks like loose blown in cellulose? thats an upclose image of the insulation.

On 2020-07-20 - by (mod) - cellulose insulation is not an asbestos product

Luna

You're second photo posting looks like loose-fill or blown-in cellulose. That's basically a chopped paper insulation treated with a fire retardant

On 2020-07-20 by Luna

Loose lay greyish brown insulation with wood or paper chunks cant tell to scared to touch it, also has green and pink/red flecks like paper but looking atr iut in operson it looks greyish more so than brown but when i take a picture it looks more brownish in the picture could be the light playing tricks but in real like its a couple more shades greyish brown instead of brownish grey.

This loose lay insulation was in my attic, I fell asleep on my couch and a handy man knocked it down all over me and left me to sleep inhaling it for six hours until i woke up does this look like asbestos?

I'm getting it tested soon with my next paycheck but for right now i need an answer to hopefully either give myself peace of mind or to know whether to move out ASAP.

I had the flashlight shining on it as well its a grayish brown, appears to maybe have wood chips? Without the light shining on it it looks more grayish?

but with the light shining on it and my phone light it appears more brown? and pink and green specks of paper in it if need be i could possibly upload a higher definition picture

I'm just not touching it keeping my door shut in my laundry room not going in there for now as to not disturb it i have really bad/sensitive lungs as is.

On 2020-07-12 b - by (mod) -

John,

That looks like mineral wool or rock wool insulation. See that reference above on this page.

On 2020-07-12 19:23:29.446526 by John

There is a thin layer, 1”-2”, under the fiberglass bats in the attic of a house I am considering buying but I'm not sure what it is. Any ideas? Thanks

On 2020-07-12 - by (mod) -

JMO that looks like rock wool or mineral wool - see that item in the article above and in detail

at ROCK WOOL - MINERAL WOOL INSULATION - home

On 2020-07-11 by JMO

House built in 1907. Behind plaster and lathe. Black and wooly kind of glistens like fiberglass. I have some concerned spectators

On 2020-07-08 by (mod) - Identify fiberglass insulation manufactured by Certainted St. Gobain, with a kraft paper backing.

That sure looks like fiberglass insulation manufactured by Certainted St. Gobain, with a kraft paper backing.

On 2020-07-07 by Jimmy

Here’s what I have.

Here’s a pic of the paper backing - above

Here is a photo of the insulation itself - below

On 2020-07-07 - by (mod) -

Jimmy

Try the

Add image

Button to post a sharp photo of your insulation.

On 2020-07-07 by Jimmy

I found yellow looking batt or blanket insulation in my crawl space with a paper backing that had printed on it, “CertainTeed 1970”.

When looking up the CertainTeed company they said they used TONS of asbestos in their products for a long time but I can’t find specific mention of blanket insulation. I’ve also read that MOST blanket insulation does not contain asbestos.

My question is, what are the odds that this insulation contains asbestos?

Asbestos was reported in some CertainTeed drywall, not in fiberglass per-se. I pose that it would be there only by cross-contaimation.

See ASBESTOS in CERTAINTEED DRYWALL?

On 2020-07-01 (mod) - identify this foam insulation

Re-posting from private email

Anonymous-ls asked:

[could] you take a quick look at the attached photos. It is some sort of insulation around the joists in my garage. It is powdery and crumbles when touched. The colour is bright white. I am concerned it could be urea formaldehyde insulation but i read that this is yellowish in colour.


Moderator reply:

The photo is not quite sharp enough for me to be sure what that is - it could be UFFI, as you'll see in our identification photos
Take a look at the photos found

at FOAM SPRAY INSULATION TYPES including both modern sprayed in place foam insulating products

at inspectapedia.com/insulation/Foam_Insulation_Identification.php

also

See UREA FORMALDEHYDE FOAM INSULATION, UFFI inspectapedia.com/insulation/UFFI_insulation.php

Also see URETHANE FOAM INSULATION inspectapedia.com/Energy/Polyurethane_Insulation.php

usually UFFI is yellowish but I've occasionally seen a white mix.

If UFFI was blown into the home you'll almost always find oozing out bits in more than just one location.

As you'll read in our articles on this topic, UFFI raised formaldehyde offgassing concerns when it was newly installed.

If it is UFFI there is no reason to be scared - there won't be measuring offgassing of formaldehyde in such an old installation.

Take a closer look. IF the material crumbles to a white powdery dust when poked or crushed between forefinger and thumb, it's probably UFFI. If it doesn't crumble but is more-durable, spongy, for example, it's another foam product. If it's fibrous it's insulation.

If it's damp and sticky it could be mineral effloresence.

It would be helpful to know the country, city, and age of the building and its insulation and retrofit history.

On 2020-06-23 - by (mod) - loose fill cellulose, not fiberglass.

Lisa

That photo looks to me almost certainly like loose fill cellulose, not fiberglass.

On 2020-06-23 by Lisa

I'm looking at a 1930s house that the inspection report listed as having loose-fill fiberglass insulation in the attic, however the photo of the insulation in the attic doesn't look like fiberglass to me.

On 2020-05-08 - by (mod) -

Sure, step, my thoughts are that you want to take a look at

SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD for details about insulating sheathing used on both the exterior (under siding) and interior of buildings.

On 2020-05-08 by Steph

1936 bathroom needs a vent fan, cut into ceiling and found something above the plaster. Thoughts?

On 2020-05-07 by Carol

Thank you very much! I really appreciate your thoughts and time. Carol

On 2020-05-06 - by (mod) -

Carol,

that looks like CELLULOSE insulation - see https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Insulation-Identification-Guide.php#Cellulose

On 2020-05-06 by Carol

Just following up as I’m not positive my other comment went through. After re-reading my inspection report, the insulation in the Attic was listed as Cellulose.

Hope the wall insulation is the same and that someone here can confirm. Thank You!

On 2020-10-03 by Diane NM

This insulation was removed while replacing the bathroom vent/heat lamp. It's the only bathroom, and they couldn't finish today, so clumps of it have been left exposed on the floor overnight. The house was built in the 70's in New Mexico.

Could you help me identify what kind it is, and whether it could contain asbestos? If you were doing this job and you couldn't finish that same day, would it be safe to leave clumps of insulation that are not covered or contained in the only bathroom in the house?

Could using that bathroom cause irritation even if I didn't touch or disturb it? When I wiped the irritated area with a baby wipe, it looked like there might be a glint on the wipe if the light caught it right..like a clear sparkle, or grain of MSG.

On 2020-12-08 - by (mod) -

JB

It would be smart to use appropriate dust control on personal protective gear especially respirator.

It's possible that you are seeing a rubberized duct coating material or a water-based asphalt-emulsion type insulation. These were principally a mixture of clay and asphalt, sometimes with mineral fibre reinforcement.

Even today Johns Manville produces an asphalt-clay emulsion used as a roof coating product sold in sheets or boards or troweled-on or both.

Such coatings have been used on HVAC duct systems.

Current examples are found in

Henry Co. INSULATION & ADHESIVE COATING CHART [PDF] (2009) Henry Company Canada, 15 Wallsend Drive, Scarborough, ON M1E 3X6 Tel: 416-724-2000 / 1-800-361-4599 Fax: 416-724-6818 www.bakor.com www.henry.com e-mail: info@bakor.com e-mail: cshenry@henry.com

Childers INSULATION & COATING SELECTION GUIDE [PDF]

THERMAL INSULATION FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS [PDF] USACE / NAVFAC / AFCEC / NASA UFGS-23 07 00 (February 2013)
Excerpt:

This guide specification covers the requirements for field applied thermal insulation on HVAC and plumbing systems located within, on, under, and adjacent to buildings; above and below ground.

It would be helpful to know the country and city of location and age of the building where this insulation is installed.

On 2020-12-08 by JB

In this photo you can see how it gets dusty once it breaks down.

On 2020-12-08 by JB

It’s a hard substance but kinda of crumbles when I pinch it with my hands and gets very dusty.

On 2020-12-07 - by (mod) -

JB

How hard is the material? It looks a bit like an asphalt-mix product, not foam.

I don't recognize it enough to offer a name but I'm looking further.

Also that white gummy pipe wrap i the center of your photo may contain asbestos.

On 2020-12-07 by JB

We have this old insulation at my work were cutting out from above a cooler area. It’s about 4 inches thick and is black. Has a grainy texture to it. We cut it out with a sawzall into small sections to dispose of. It has a rotten egg type smell to it. Also has a similar smell to carbon. Sorry I don’t have a better picture of it is this stuff safe to be around?

On 2020-11-24 by (mod) - don't poke at hornet's nest found in attic!

Oliver

Watch out:I would keep away from that area and keep that space closed until you've had an exterminator look at that because I think that's a hornet's nest.

On 2020-11-23 by Olivier

Hi,

I've taken a picture of my roofspace and there is something that looks like insulation but I'm not quite sure about it. Would you be able to help me identifying what it is?

Thank you!

On 2020-11-21 - by (mod) -

Suzanne

Unfortunately your photo is a bit blurry so I cannot say with certainty what it shows. But the color in general text you looked to me like a paper or cellulose fiber board insulation product. It does not look like rock wall or mineral wool.

In the ARTICLE INDEX, as I mentioned to Jin, you'll find articles describing each of those insulation products and how to identify them.

On 2020-11-21 - by (mod) -

Jin

In the ARTICLE INDEX above
you will find articles that identify cellulose insulation and mineral wall insulation. Those articles include lots of identification photos as well as description. Please take a look.

I must add that the last part of your statement that says loose fill mineral wall which contains asbestos is basically incorrect.

Mineral wall is not an asbestos material. It is a fibrous insulation made from a combination of stone and blast furnace slag.

On 2020-11-21 by Suzanne

1880s schoolhouse with drop ceiling. We found rolls of heavy black insulation between the floors and drop ceiling. Is this Rockwool? Asbestos? Cannot find any information on anything that looks like this. Thank you.

On 2020-11-18 by Jin

What is visual difference of cellulose and lose fill mineral wool which contents asbestos?

On 2020-10-26 - by (mod) -

MJ:

Please see your question & photos and our reply now

at CELLULOSE LOOSE FILL INSULATION https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Cellulose_Insulation.php


Matt: about that asbestos pipe insulation in the basement of your new home in Belgium, please see your photos and our discussion now

at ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Pipe_Insulation.php

On 2020-10-17 - by (mod) - fiberglass & similar insulating board products used on roofs or on building interior?

I don't recognize that specific insulating board, Stefani but the thin pebbled plastic finish surface showing in your photo looks to me more like it was intended to be exposed on the building interior.

Is this a dense fiberglass panel with a plastic skin? That's what your photo looks-like.

What does the other side look like?

Are there any imprints of trademarks or text or numbers?

A number of companies make insulating panels used on roofing; we need to start by being sure we know the material and to be sure we've properly identified its intended use.

If it's fiberglass you might ask Owens Corning.

On 2020-10-17 by Stefani

What brand of roofing insulation is this used in Northern California?

On 2020-10-17 - by (mod) -

I can't quite say Dominic because the photo is a bit blurry. Is that a crumbly foam material? Installed perhaps in the 1970s? If so it's perhaps UFFI? Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation.

See those details at UREA FORMALDEHYDE FOAM INSULATION, UFFI

On 2020-10-17 by Dominic C

Hi Any idea what type of insulation this is? Asbestos?

On 2020-09-12 by (mod) - unusual black-blue-gray plastic-like shavings used as insulation

We discussed this photo and your question in reader Q&A on our main INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE page too, Billy where

you noted that it did not burn readily, was plastic-like in consistency,

and may not be an approved, listed, nor safe insulating material.

We wonder if someone tried making use of waste from some industrial process.

On 2020-09-15 by Billy J.

Found this behind lath and plaster ceiling. What is it ? Thanks!

On 2020-09-12 by (mod)

That looks like brown fibrous insulation, perhaps mineral wool or a wood fibre insulation

On 2020-09-12 by Bonnie

Home was built in 1978. Has undergone multiple renovations and most recently, HVAC replacement.

This is located between the top of the unit and the ceiling/roof. Looks like hair, what is it? The HVAC guys didn’t mention any concerns but I’ve never seen anything like it.

On 2020-09-09 - by (mod) -

That's pink fiberglass insulation with a big dose of house dust, probably from air leakage.

I'd investigate the air leak and would consider a more-permanent seal.

On 2020-09-09 by Steve

Have this peaking out from edge of carpet under an electric baseboard heater in my attic is it asbestos containing?

I think it looks sort of like dirty fiberglass insulation that had been stuffed under the floors what do you guys think want to remove/cover it up.

On 2020-08-17 - by (mod) -

Austin I'm not sure but in the upper right that's definitely a feather structure.

I see what looks like gray fiberglass mixed with wood debris.

We do see "black" or dark colored sections in many insulation products, particularly fiberglass batts, where there has been passage of building air from an air bypass leak, depositing house dust in the insulation.

On 2020-08-16 by Austin

Found in basement between unfinished ceiling and the next floor up, just atop the cement walls. House was built in the 50s. Please and thank you!

On 2020-07-28 by rdy4trvl

I would agree but what seems odd is it would not burn...just turned black.

Maybe it was treated with some type of fire retardant??

On 2020-07-27 - by (mod) -

Looks like wood fibre

On 2020-07-27 by rdy4trvl

Asbestos or rock wool? This is a closeup of the material. It comes from a 1960 nothern California house. The material is in a few of the spaces between ceiling joists and only became visable when the original furnace was removed. It does not burn but turns black when a flame is applied. The material is very light and fluffy.
Thanks

On 2020-06-08 - by (mod) -

That looks like mineral wool insulation - please check that link and the photos given above on this page.

Thanks for asking, Craig

On 2020-06-08 by Craig

Hello, when replacing a ceiling bathroom fan, this type attic insulation became disturbed. House built in 1930’s but cannot confirm timing of the attic insulation. I’m trying to confirm if asbestos material?

On 2020-05-06 - by (mod) -

Carol

That is almost certainly a wood product or cellulose insulation - search our website for Balsam Wool

On 2020-05-06 by Carol

Hello! I had a leak under my window and when the drywall was pulled off to investigate this was the material found: it was hard packed but when the contractor pulled it out it is very crumbly.

(I wish I had a hard packed photo!). He feels it is fine and, perhaps I have watched too many DIY shows, but I am freaking out that a toxic material has been unearthed. Hoping you can help ease my mind. Thank You.

(Home was originally built in the 50’s, small ranch row house but I’m unsure of what updates were done since).

On 2020-02-11 - by (mod) -

Rachel try again to post a photo using the "add image" button; it will appear after moderator approval.

On 2020-02-11 by Rachel

Hi! I think this bathroom was redone in the 80s or 90s. I opened up part of the wall looking for mold. Found this insulation. What do you think? Thanks!!

On 2020-01-19 - by (mod) -

Kimberly

That looks like either

BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION

Take a look at that article and let me know what you think.

OR

Fiberboard insulation or insulating sheathing described

at FIBERBOARD SHEATHING

In the photo I attach, an edited version of yours, the red arrow points to what looks like loose fluffy wood fibre material - that'd be Balsam wool as you'll see in that article.

However (and I can't see enough here to be sure) the yellow arrow points to what looks like compressed material - it may just be your camera angle. but if this brown wood fibrous material is in fact mostly hard and installed as a panel or sheet that's less than an inch thick, it'd be fiberboard insulating sheathing.

It would help to know

1. how is the wall framed and what's the depth of the wall cavity as I can't tell from your photo but it looks as if we may be peering into a rather thin wall cavity, just an inch or so.

and

2. How old is the building where this insulation was found?

On 2020-01-19 by Kimberly

This was found in the garage behind the drywall on the wall facing the dining room. We were trying to find the stud (needed a longer screw), and ended up tearing a hole in the wall when we came across this. What type of insulation do you suppose this is? I’ve researched cellulose, Vermiculite, and rock wool. House is in Charlotte, NC. The fibrous aspect is concerning, but it’s a darker gray than anything I’ve seen.

On 2019-11-30 by Ricky

Hi Cam,

Did you ever figured out what is that white substance under cellulose on your posting on 2019-01-18 by Cam.

Thanks,
ricky

On 2019-01-07 by Scott

Does anyone know what type if insulation this is? It's in a batt form. Whitish grey. Black tar paper on one side and brown paper on the other. It has no markings. Home is roughly 70-80 years old.

On 2020-05-07 by Carol

Thank you very much! I really appreciate your thoughts and time. Carol

On 2020-05-06 - by (mod) -

Carol,

that looks like CELLULOSE

On 2020-05-06 by Carol

Just following up as I’m not positive my other comment went through. After re-reading my inspection report, the insulation in the Attic was listed as Cellulose. Hope the wall insulation is the same and that someone here can confirm. Thank You!!

On 2020-03-14 - by (mod) -

Jess that looks like mineral wool insulation; see details at

MINERAL WOOL - ROCK WOOL INSULATION

On 2020-03-14 21:46:48.567053 by Jess

I found something almost identical to this image in my attic. The house was built in the 60's. Can somebody please help me identify it? Thanks!

On 2020-03-04 by Anonymous

Rock wool is what that resembles, though I think there was a dust, soot, or dirt source in the same area.

On 2020-03-03 by ep

@Anonymous,
thank you, picture from Sydney Australia and not sure of the age of building but its not a house built within the last 20 years

On 2020-03-03 by Anonymous

The white stuff looks like mineral wool (rock wool) and the yellow stuff is fiberglass batting.

On 2020-03-03 by ep

is this rockwool, fibreglass or asbestos? it was underneath fibreglass batts. This picture is of insulation from Sydney Australia and I'm not sure of the age of building, but its not a house built within the last 20 years

On 2020-02-14 16:13:48.858862 - by (mod) -

Looks like yellow and pink fiberglass

On 2020-02-14 by John

Is this asbestos or fibre glass?

On 2019-11-14 - by (mod) -

Jon

In the ARTICLE INDEX take a look at the articles and photos on MINERAL WOOL INSULATION

On 2019-11-14 by Jon

Our home built in Grand Rapids, MI in 1910. We recently purchased just a few months ago and have been living in it. Upon inspecting the attic, it doesn't appear from what I can see that we have asbestos. I'm not quite sure, it's black and woolly in appearance; contrasted against the cellulose beside it.

Question: is this insulation lagging asbestos?

I'm currently renovating a science building, very old, mostlikely early or late 50' s, the exterior door frame we are removing has some type of wool, stringy substance that was behind a kind of putty that overall has gotten hard over time

it looks as if a form of insulated asbestos but I must be sure before moving g further, included are pictures, please get back to me asap, - Anonymous by private email 2019/07/30

Reply:

The long fiberred gray material in your photo would not be asbestos; I'm not sure just what it is, though it looks a bit like a cellulose fibre. What's the country and city location?

Reader follow-up:

Houston TX, currently demo work at U of H science and research building, it's actually the brown fibers I'm concerned about

Reply:

I'm not sure just what that material is but it in no way resembles any asbestos insulation product I've seen. It looks like a wood fiber or cellulose fiber product.

See INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

See ASBESTOS PHOTO GUIDE to MATERIALS

For some comparison photos.

The obvious advice from most people would be to have a sample tested. That'd cost under $50. U.S. ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST may be of help.

Watch out: However there could be lead paint hazards - has anyone tested all that peeling paint?

LEAD BASED PAINT-USES in BUILDINGS has more information.

On 2019-07-23 by (mod) - renovating a home insulated with UFFI

Melanie

UFFI by now will have off-gassed any formaldehyde that might have been a concern when installed in the 1970s.

My experience is that the material is quite fragile and when disturbed can make a dusty mess. I'm not sure there's a good reason to remove it;

However depending on the insulation mix at time of installation, shrinkage can be a problem: leaving air gaps around the sides and top of insulated wall cavities.

See details at

UREA FORMALDEHYDE FOAM INSULATION, UFFI https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/UFFI_insulation.php

On 2019-07-23 by Melanie

if a home is insulated with UFFI, would renovations to those areas cost anymore because of special precautions(if any) needed to remove UffI?

On 2019-06-16 by (mod) - blown in chopped fiberglass

From just text, Denise, I'm not able to make a confident diagnosis of what kind of insulation your crawl space enjoys. If the insulation job was recent - in the last few decades - and if it was blown-in as loose material, the two common products are fiberglass and cellulose. "Pink" argues for chopped fiberglass. Take a look at the insulation type photos above on this page.

On 2019-06-16 by Denise

Off white & pink piece's, looks like it was blown in.

What kind of insulation do I have in crawl space?

On 2019-05-19 by (mod) -

That gray fluffy insulation looks like loose-fill or blown-in cellulose insulation

See CELLULOSE LOOSE FILL INSULATION for details.

https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Cellulose_Insulation.php

On 2019-05-18 by Anonymous

Rockwool? Cellulose?
Mid 1960s attic, Vancouver. Canada.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2019-04-19 by (mod) -

Mit

Thank you for the follow-up and test results on your insulation. That will help other readers.

On 2019-04-18 by Mit

You were right. Just to be sure, I found a lab test kit on Amazon that was rated 5 starts; sent in a sample and it came back negative for asbestos with 95% being mineral/glass wool and 5% other nonfibrous material. Thank you!

On 2019-04-09 by (mod) - mineral wool in a 1920's New Jersey home

Mit the insulation in your photos looks like mineral wool or "rock wool" - see details at MINERAL WOOL https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Insulation-Identification-Guide.php#Mineral_Wool

On 2019-04-09 by Mit

And this piece (above) is from the attic

From a 1920's-built home in Northern New Jersey. This piece is from the basement.

On 2019-03-24 by (mod) - black mineral wool insulation

looks like a dark gray or black mineral wool insulation, John.

On 2019-03-23 by John

Looking to identify this attic and wall insulation. The house was built in 1961. Not sure when insulation was installed. Dark grey in color and soft.

On 2019-03-14 by (mod) - wood fiber insulation

Trista that's a wood fiber insulation. See other more-finely chopped wood insulation examples at BALSAM WOOL

On 2019-03-14 by Trista

Our house was built in the 1930's in San Diego, CA We have not been able to identify the material in our attic.

We are getting estimates for insulating the attic and are curious what material this might be and whether we should remove it or just put new insulation over it. It is currently about 3" thick but we are thinking it has settled over the years and most likely filled ceiling joist bays when originally installed.

On 2019-01-18 by (mod) - cellulose insulation

Cam - that's cellulose - a chopped paper or newsprint insulation.

See details at CELLULOSE

On 2019-01-18 by Cam

Looking to identify what type of insulation this would be.
- House built 1910

Particularily, i want to know if this is Vermiculite...for obvious reasons

On 2019-01-14 by Chris

I will get a better picture this week I agree it sort of appears to be like fibreglass in its texture and the appearance of the fibres themselves but I will get a more detailed picture for you!

On 2019-01-14 by (mod) -

Surprising - I'd like to see a sharper close-up of the insulation; from afar it looks like a long-fibre fiberglass batt but frankly I can't see enough to be sure.

On 2019-01-14 by Chris

Any idea what type of insulation this is? It’s in my garage the house has been redone but the garage is older not sure what it is.

On 2018-12-30 by (mod) - damaged styrofoam insulated door panel

I'm not Carolanne and I have not much context - country, city, age of materials ,type of door.

But from what I see that looks like styrofoam insulation - rather inert and thus "harmless" but of course should not be eaten.

As a temporary "fix" pending door replacement or repair, I suggest buying some foil tape and taping over the opening.

On 2018-12-30 by Carolanne

Wondering if this is dangerous to children
This is a hole inside door

On 2018-12-26 by (mod) - Balsam-wool-like insulation fragment

If the material (shown above) is brown and fibrous it would probably be a wood product such as Balsam wool - usually in batts, not loose fill.

If it's gray and you can under magnifying glass find occasionally tiny bits of paper, it's cellulose loose fill or blown-in insulation.

Please review the photo examples of types of insulation above on this page and let me know if you have more questions.

On 2018-11-01 by Melisa

This is the blown insulation in my attic. (photo above)

Can anyone tell me what it is? It is blown,not batted,so Im not sure that it the balsawood variety...

On 2018-10-15 by (mod) - dark nearly black mineral wool insulation

I'm not sure if the photo is a bit blurry and poorly lit but I think we're looking at a type of mineral wool insulation

On 2018-10-15 by am Oregon

Can anyone help me identify this black insulation. my husband disturbed it in a room that was not contained and made a mess that spread into the adjacent hallway.

On 2018-10-07 15:51:21.874790 by (mod) -

Perry

At the opening where piping penetrates a wood surface I see what looks like fiberglass insulation.

On the piping itself I see sprayed-on white paint that MIGHT have been applied as part of an asbestos-removal job: a speculation based on the presence of painted-over fibres visible in the photo especially near the bottom of the image of the pipe.

On 2018-10-07 by Perry

Can someone identify this insulation for me? There is so little visible that I’m having trouble using the guides.

It looks like yellow cotton to me. It is possible that it is quite old. It has been here since I’ve lived in the house (20 years) and the building is a Brownstone in Brooklyn so it may well be much older. Might it contain asbestos?

On 2018-09-30 by (mod) - blown in cellulose atop a thin layer of fiberglass insulation

the photo is a little blurry but I think I'm seeing fiberglass perhaps with an outer coating of cellulose insulation

On 2018-09-30 by Craig Waldron

I need help identifying the orange lower layer of insulation in this photo. It was very powdery when we disturbed it. This house was built in the 70’s

On 2018-06-09 by Steve Reed - sprayed balsam-wool insulation?

10-4. It could be the ceiling was painted at some point. Also, it could be stained from years of use as an automotive/manufacturing facility.

On 2018-06-09 by (mod) -

However, I'm not familiar with Balsam wool being used in a spray-on insulation application.

We need to be concerned that asbestos was used in some spray-on insulation applications.

Even though the product is not look like asbestos spray which would normally be a gray color.

Let's both do some further research.

On 2018-06-09 by Steve Reed

I think you are right. It looks like the Balsam wool bat insulation. Thanks!

it is sprayed on.

On 2018-06-08 by (mod) - distinguish between balsam wool and other fibrous insulations of similar colour

How interesting. Is it batt or loose or sprayed-on? I'm thinking a wood product.

See the brown insulation photos at BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION

On 2018-06-08 by Steve Reed

Ah yes, I forgot to mention that the insulation dates back to the late 1940's or early 50's.

On 2018-06-08 by (mod)

I'm not sure that that is, Steve. It looks like a brown fibrer material, maybe a wood product but I can't say.

If it's wood-based it ought to have been treated with a fire retardant. It doesn't have the individual flecks of paper that I usually see in cellulose and that's usually more gray.

Knauf produces some brown insulating materials including Ecose using recycled and bio materials, but I'd not expect their insulation to burn.

In any event I'm surprised that the material burns quickly. Does it self-extinguish or would it just keep going if the insulation was ignited in place? If on ignition it would just keep burning I worry that something's wrong with the insulation and the building may have a fire hazard that is not understood.

It would help to know the age of the building or of the insulation and whether it's in batt form or loose fill or sprayed-on.

On 2018-06-08 by Steve Reed

I am working on a job site as a welder in Denver, CO. I am supposed to do some structural welding on an area that has a lot of the insulation pictured, sprayed on the ceiling and surrounding girts and columns. The insulation is flammable to some degree - it burns quickly, but it also leaves kind of a rubbery residue. Can you possibly identify it?

On 2018-06-03 by Mike - soft insulation retrofit in 1925 Home

The house was built in 1925. Craftsman Bungalow. But I believe it was remodeled (second floor attic finished) in the mid 1930s

. I have the original blueprints and an appraisal from 1939 which shows Mansville Rockwool insulation listed in the wall cavities (more of a brownish gold color and fluffy) and it says 1" insulation under second floor / first floor ceiling but doesnt specify what type it is

On 2018-06-03 by (mod) -

How old might it be?

I'd have guessed UFFI but the color is wrong -too pale-white. UFFI foam is more yellowish.

It certainly looks like a foamed or sprayed-in place insulation.

On 2018-06-03 by Mike

Abvove is a picture of some taken out. Its soft to the touch almost like flour?

On 2018-06-02 by (mod) - soft plasterboard like material

sorry no I really can't see enough

On 2018-06-02 by Mike

Any ideas as to what this might be? Found above plaster in old ceiling

 

On 2018-05-16 16:06:24.044705 by (mod) -

Shelby

Your photo shows cement or plaster extruding through expanded metal lath, no doubt providing the wall onto which bathroom tile was affixed.

While some plaster in older homes might (rarely) contain asbestos, this is not a friable material. Even if the plaster contains asbestos you would have to grind, saw, or chop the material to create dust and thus to create a measurable hazard.

In sum, undisturbed, this plaster in the plumbing access is not a child hazard.

See PLASTER LATH, METAL inspectapedia.com/interiors/Plaster_on_Expanded_Metal_Lath.php for more details and where your photo will be a helpful addition.

Also see details found at ASBESTOS in PLASTER https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-in-Plaster.php

On 2018-05-16 00:53:18.554731 by shelby.hudson655321

We are getting ready to rent (have put down a deposit) on a house built in 1955. There is this easily accessible panel on the wall opposite the bathroom for access to the plumbing for the tub. Is or could this be asbestos? We have a 2 year old daughter and don't want to take any chances!

On 2018-05-16 by (mod) -

Shelby

Your photo shows cement or plaster extruding through expanded metal lath, no doubt providing the wall onto which bathroom tile was affixed.

While some plaster in older homes might (rarely) contain asbestos, this is not a friable material.

Even if the plaster contains asbestos you would have to grind, saw, or chop the material to create dust and thus to create a measurable hazard.

In sum, undisturbed, this plaster in the plumbing access is not a child hazard.

See PLASTER LATH, METAL for more details and where your photo will be a helpful addition.

Also see details found at ASBESTOS in PLASTER

On 2018-05-16 by shelby.hudson655321

We are getting ready to rent (have put down a deposit) on a house built in 1955.

There is this easily accessible panel on the wall opposite the bathroom for access to the plumbing for the tub. Is or could this be asbestos?

We have a 2 year old daughter and don't want to take any chances!

On 2018-04-29 by (mod) -

RE-Posting

(July 10, 2017) KJT said:

I live in an ex local authority house in the UK.

There is a grey, loose-fill material in my loft that my husband has just encountered.

Is there any chance that this is asbestos?

This Q&A were posted originally at ASBESTOS INSULATION

Moderator reply:

KJT:

Gray loose-fill sounds more like mineral wool, rock wool - see those insulation types and links to more about them in the article above.

Use the picture-frame icon to attach a sharp photo of your insulation and we should be able to comment further.

On 2018-04-11 by (mod) - white funky sort of blown in insulation

Tony I've got no guess at all. Perhaps you can try attaching a sharp photo - use the picture frame icon next to the Comment button while making a comment.

On 2018-04-11 by Tony

I found white funky sort of blown in but there was a hard white cube in it the house is old do you know what it is

On 2018-04-09 by (mod) -

That looks like mineral wool or "rock wool" but could be unusually dirty fiberglass loose fill.

On 2018-04-08 by Jay Does this look like loose fill fiberglass insulation or ?

Does this look like loose fill fiberglass insulation or ? (photo above)

On 2018-03-23 by (mod) - Any idea what this stuff is?

Looks like chopped fiberglass. Can you get a sharper photo?

On 2018-03-23 by Mitch

Any idea what this stuff is? There is a combination of white fluffy, cottony insulation, mixed with grey foam looking insulation? The house is in Phoenix, AZ, built in 1979. Thanks

On 2018-01-21 by (mod) -

Sam and Won

Use the picture frame icon next to the Comment button to attach a photo to a comment to let us take a look.

On 2018-01-20 by Sam

Hi! The loft of the house that I have bought is full of a loose fill material that is light brown orangish colour.

The house was built in 1971-2. The material comes in pebble like pieces the biggest if which is about an inch in diameter

It is very brittle and turns into powder if you press it.
Thanks in advance for your help. I can send photos

On 2017-11-14 by Won

I was drilling on the wall of my apartment and when I pulled the screw out, there was loose fiber-like material at the tip of the screw came out with it. I wonder if it contains asbestos in it.

The apartment was built in 1960s and the wall separates mine from my neighbor next to me.
On your website it says asbestos is usually found in pipe insulation in old buildings. What are the chances that asbestos was used in the wall?
Thank you.

On 2017-11-03 by (mod) -

Claire:

Please use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send me photos of the insulation kraft or paper or foil facing, sharp images of the labeling and writing, and of the insulation itself.

I will research the question further. I may also ask you to send me a sample of the actual insulation - just a couple of cubic inches suitably packaged - that we might test in our lab or else have tested by an asbestos test lab.

I have not seen nor have I found by research the exact phrase "USB Fiber contains asbestos 3"

Is it possible you're seeing a USG label - (U.S. Gypsum Corporation) ?

Daniel

On 2017-11-03 by Claire

I’m wondering if you have seen this before or know anything about it. The house was built in 1979 and bat insulation between the rafters in the crawl space is marked with USB Fiber contains asbestos 3". I have photos that I can send....

Thanks!

On 2017-05-31 by Ted

Ok thanks, I sent a photo.

On 2017-05-31 by (mod) -

Sorry, Ted, but from just your e-text I really can't guess what you are asking about. If you would like you can use the page top or bottom contact link to send us some photos and we may be able to comment further

On 2017-05-31 by Ted

I have a grey solid, almost like cinder block substance, but not as hard in a wall I'm about do some work on. Any idea what this might be?

On 2017-05-03 by Anonymous

Thank you for your prompt and precise answer, I will continue to read your page!

On 2017-05-03 by (mod) -

Brandon, the image you quoted is rockwool. It is not vermiculite. Rockwool is a mineral fiber product, also called slag wool.

See https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Rock_Wool_Insulation.php

On 2017-05-03 by Brandon

Hello, I am looking at some of your images and I have identified a material in my newly purchase home that you also have pictured on the website but there is no answer attached to the picture. I am trying to get information whether or not the material contains asbestos. You have the image labeled at rockwool1.

From my research, it suggests that the rock wool does not contain asbestos due to the manufacturing process.

Here is a direct link to the MINERAL WOOL (photo) material I am referring too, it is located in my walls. It does NOT have the "accordion like" appearance like vermiculite. It looks like cotton to me... http://www.inspect-ny.com/sickhouse/asbestos/rockwool1.jpg

On 2017-04-02 by (mod) -

Karen:

FYI - we have added background on Tripolymer foam insulation, but depending on where you live it may take 24 hours for the information to propagate through various content delivery systems and thus to appear online.

Some biodegradable foam insulation products such as foam insulating products made from starches are more-likely to be water soluble after installation.

Daniel

On 2017-04-02 by karen griffin

@Anonymous,
My reply was to ronald roberts, who described his insulation, and it sounds like I might have the same thing he has, and I was hoping he might have found out what it is.

It is white, very light weight, very friable, and dissolves in water. It was installed in a house that was built in 1978. I have no way of knowing if it was original, or added post build, but I'm guessing original.

They were trying a lot of new construction materials during that period, so it could be something that was used for only a short time before they realized that it wasn't a good idea. Any help identifying it would be appreciated.

On 2017-04-01 by Anonymous

Karen,
... sounds similar ... to which of the insulation we describe?

On 2017-04-01 by karen griffin

@ronald roberts,

I've got something in my attic that sounds similar. Mine dissolves in water, but I don't know what it is.

The house was built in 1978. Can't believe they would use something that "melts" when it gets wet, but maybe it only does that because it is old and it's properties have degraded. Would love to know what it is.

On 2017-03-10 by (mod) - Foam insulation, maybe UFFI?

If your insulation looks solid but crushes to a powder I suspect it's a type of foam insulation - perhaps you can use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send us some sharp photos

On 2017-03-10 by ronald roberts

loose white lightweight mineral-like material in attic which burns , easily crushable with fingers making a powder. not asbestos or foam. does anyone have any idea what this stuff could be?

...

Continue reading at INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE - FAQs3 - more photos and identification Q&A on insulation identification

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CARBON NANOTUBE MATERIALS
• FIBER & HAIR IDENTIFICATION
• FOAM SPRAY INSULATION TYPES
• INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT inspecting and improving the level and effectiveness of insulation in buildings, advice on troubleshooting insulation problems.

Suggested citation for this web page

INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE FAQs2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING INSULATION

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---