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Photograph of chopped fiberglass insulation Building Insulation Guide
Home Page & Index to Articles

This page provides our index to articles on building insulation selection, installation, inspection, troubleshooting, & improvement or repair.

This article series discusses how to inspect, diagnose and correct problems in building insulation or ventilation systems. We discuss Insulation R-values, Types, & other characteristics, Insulation types, R-values, installation, improvements, troubleshooting insulation & heat loss or unwanted heat gain problems.

We also describe how to install or repair building insulation & ventilation systems including using stains and other clues to diagnose air movement, heat loss or moisture problems.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Guide to Inspection of Building Insulation & Ventilation

photo of yellow fiberglass building insulationThe articles listed here provide in-depth discussions of how to identify various types of insulation and building ventilation systems, including where insulation or ventilation defects occur and what is their effect on buildings.

We also discuss various indoor air quality issues involving building insulation such as asbestos and fiberglass particle contamination, mold in insulation, and building moisture and condensation where insulation and ventilation have not been properly installed.

Insulation products are used in a very wide range of building products and building locations besides attic, ceiling, and wall insulation. Some kinds of insulation can be tricky to identify and may have special concerns which are discussed in these articles.

To find what you need quickly, if you don't want to scroll through this index you are welcome to use the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX to search InspectApedia for specific articles and information.

Blackweld wood fiber cellulose insulation (C) D Friedman S Shockley

Polystyrene insulating foam board (C) Daniel Friedman

Perlite in planting soil mix (C) Daniel Friedman

Useful Building Insulation References & Research

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2024-01-11 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Jesús Vicente,

Es cierto que tomar muestras de paneles de yeso en busca de asbesto es complicado porque el muestreo del material del panel de yeso en sí puede pasar por alto el asbesto contenido en el compuesto para juntas utilizado para cubrir juntas y clavos o tornillos.

Sin embargo, ya hemos comenzado nuestra opinión sobre el nivel de riesgo de estallido de los clavos individual.

On 2024-01-11 by InspectApedia Publisher - sampling the drywall material itself can miss asbestos contained in the joint compound

@Jesús Vicente,

It's true that sampling drywall for asbestos is tricky because sampling the drywall material itself can miss asbestos contained in the joint compound used to cover joints and nails or screws.

However we've already stated our opinion about the level of risk, individual nail pop.

Estamos de acuerdo.

On 2024-01-11 by Jesús Vicente - in Spain, chrysotile asbestos in all its applications was prohibited in 2002

@InspectApedia Publisher,
Thanks again.
Indeed, in Spain chrysotile asbestos in all its applications was prohibited in 2002 (the other varieties had already been prohibited years before).

A sample from the side of those drywall panels was negative, but curiously it did not contain that gray material, since the entire sample was white.

The outside of the panel is already painted. The internal part, where the return conditioned air circulates, is difficult to access, but if, as you say, the risk is negligible even if it contained asbestos, perhaps the most sensible thing is to let it be and forget about the matter...

You are probably right that worry is more dangerous than dubious exposure.

Greetings and congratulations on your page!

On 2024-01-11 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Jesús Vicente,

Since Spain didn't prohibit asbestos used in all forms until 2002 it's possible, though unlikely, that you are 2001 drywall contains asbestos. However in my opinion the hazard of asbestos exposure from the tiny bit of dust that might fall from a nail pop is infinitesimal.

When you see damage like that simply damp wipe or HEPA vac the area and repair the damaged spot or if that's not convenient simply put a bit of tape over it as a short-term cover.

I suspect that the worry is probably a greater health hazard than the asbestos for extremely small points of damage such as this one.

On 2024-01-10 by InspectApedia DF (mod)

@Jesús Vicente,

Gracias.

Hemos trabajado duro en este material durante décadas, por lo que estamos realmente agradecidos cuando un lector lo encuentra útil y digno de confianza.

También agradecemos sus fotos, preguntas, críticas o sugerencias.

On 2024-01-10 by Jesús Vicente

@InspectApedia DF,
Thank you so much. I appreciate his opinion. I'm not worried at all about dust in general, I'm only worried if the material could have asbestos.
Greetings from Spain!!

On 2024-01-09 by InspectApedia DF (mod) - rainwater damage to the plaster panels on the ceiling

@Jesús Vicente,

And for our English speaking readers, we answered:

Don't worry about the grammar. Here at InspectApedia we speak Spanish too, but not perfectly. (Right now I am writing to you from my office in Mexico.) Or we can use Google Translate (with a little care).

I think the material is gypsum - plaster - "drywall" - the small damage I see is from a nail pop - in English we say a "drywall nail pop" / nail pop for drywall.

That can happen if there is movement in the structure above the roof - in my opinion there is no significant risk from dust or asbestos from such minor damage.

But if you wish, you can use a high capacity filter in your air system.

On 2024-01-09 by InspectApedia DF (mod)

@Jesús Vicente,

No se preocupas sober la idoma que usamos. Aqui a InspectApedia Hablamos espqan~ol tambien, pero no perfactamente. (Ahorita le escribo de mi oficina en Mexico.) O podemos usar Google Translate (con poco cuidado)

Creo que el material es gypsum - plaster - "drywall" - el pequen~o dano que veo es en local de un clave - in ingles decimos un "drywall nail pop" / pop de clave para paneles de yeso

Eso puede pasar si hay movimiento en la structura sobre el techo - in mi opinion no hay riesgo significante del polvo ni asbestos de dan~o tan pequeno.

Pero si lo deseas, se puede usar un filtro de alta capacidad en su systema de aire.

On 2024-01-09 by Jesús Vicente

Building built in Spain in 2001.
We recently had some rainwater damage to the plaster panels on the ceiling of the hallway of the house, which affected their joints areas and a small hole where a gray material is seen (picture 1 ).

The origin of the filtration was resolved. Insurance painted the surface, so the hole is no longer seen. After this I obtained a sample of an edge of the plaster panels which was negative for asbestos, but did not have the gray material that is seen in the picture (it was the entire white sample).

The air conditioner return circulates through the false roof above these plaster plates.

I worry that the material seen in the hole, in case of containing asbestos, may be releasing fibers that circulate through the air conditioning throughout the house. Or when replacing the hall lights.

Any idea what it might be the gray material in the hole in the picture and any filament showing behind it? It doesn't look like asbestos material to me, but I would like a second opinion.

Thanks for your opinion!

(sorry about the grammar, I used google translate)

small hole in drywall (C) InspectApedia.com JesusV

On 2023-12-19 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Zach,

What I see in your photo is either fiberglass or mineral wool insulation.

On 2023-12-19 by Zach

I live in Eugene, OR and own a home built in 1981. There is a little bit of exposed insulation in our bathroom that I was hoping you could identify and allay fears that it is asbestos or anything else dangerous. Thanks so much for your input.

fiberglass shred in Eugene OR home (C) InspectApedia.com Zach

On 2022-09-30 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - vermiculite insulation can be safely covered over and left in place

@Sheila,

Yes, vermiculite insulation can be safely covered over and left in place. However if you are ever doing work on the building such as cutting a hole in ceiling or disturbing the insulation, it might be worth having a sample tested for asbestos.

And I would not use blown in insulation because the blowing itself is going to disturb it. But laying insulation batts atop what's there, especially unfaced batts, should be fine.

On 2022-09-30 by Sheila

More of a question than a comment. I live in Canton, Ohio and own a home built in 1942. The attic has tiny stone like vermiculite as seen in many photos already posted on this site.

My question is can you safely lay the roll out fiberglass type insulation over top of the vermiculite? Or have blown in put in? I've even considered laying plywood sheets across the attic beams and then putting insulation in top.

There is very little insulation in the attic and insulation in needed badly for both during the winter and summer months. Appreciate your insight, thank you.

On 2022-07-03 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Itsnotsafetoswimtoday000,

Mineral wool

On 2022-07-02 by Itsnotsafetoswimtoday000@gmail.com

What does this look like to you...

gray mineral wool insulation (C) InspectApedia.com

On 2022-03-13 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - brown granular insulation particles: Vermiculite?

@cory smith,

Try comparing your insulation to our Vermiculite photos - in the page above and also in a separate link you'll find there

On 2022-03-13 by cory smith

Found a small hard dark brown particles in the attic for insulation. Never seen it before (15 Years) Looks like mice feces but is 4 inches or more thick.

brown granular attic insulation - Vermiculite? (C) InspectApedia.com Smith

On 2022-03-11 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod)

@Den,

Also see INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Insulation-Identification-Guide.php

and compare your insulation and its properties to our description of UFFI

Can you post a photo so we can see what it looks like?

On 2022-03-11 by Den

Is it likely, that the crusty, light yellow, powdery insulation, which I found, above ceiling, contain asbestos? It was deteriorated, but may have, originally been in brick shapes.

On 2022-02-26 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod)

@Edward B.,

Looks like mineral wool.

See the mineral wool photos at

INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Insulation-Identification-Guide.php

On 2022-02-26 by Edward B.

Not exactly sure what kind of insulation this....it appears to look like mineral wool. Looking for verification.

White & brown mineral wool insulation (C) InspectApedia.com Edward

On 2021-12-13 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - photos of cellulose insulation

@Chris, @Insulation Type,

Cellulose, probably blown-in

Please see INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE inspectapedia.com/insulation/Insulation-Identification-Guide.php

for help identifying your specific insulating material.

When we see printing of letters and numbers on small bits of newspaper like material it's a good guess we're seeing cellulose insulation -

On 2021-12-13 by Chris

@Insulation Type, another photo of the insulation in the floor.

Hello, I am trying to determine what type of insulation this is. I have an older house, built in 1906 with cedar siding. I can see 1-2" holes plugged every 6-12" going all the way around the house and up to the 3rd floor.

This insulation is in the walls and between the floors. I believe that its old newspaper, as I can see the print on some of the bits. Hoping you can confirm? Mainly want to make sure its nothing dangerous. Also, curious as to how long this remains effective? It's well-packed in the walls...

I have a home built in 1906 that has a blown-in insulation in the walls. I can see 1-2" holes on the exterior every 6-12" wrapping around the house all the way up to the 3rd floor. I think it's old newspaper, as I can make out letters on a few bits of the insulation.

I obviously want to make sure that it's not asbestos or somethign dangerous. I've attached a few photos for you to look at. If nothing dangerous, wondering how old this stuff is and how long it will last? Really appreciate the feedback...

Fibrous insulatin looks like cellulose  note the newsprint (C) Inspectapedia.com anon

On 2021-09-01 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - oakum insulation under metal roof at skylight?

Oakum insulation, in this case sold by Australian boat suppliershop.classic-boat-supplies.com.au/ cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com @markvansomething,

Both moderators agree that your photo looks like a plant-based insulating material such as oakum or something similar.

Two of our articles describe asbestos insulation; please take a look at

ASBESTOS BUILDING INSULATION - forms, types, locations of asbestos used as building insulation

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Building-Insulation.php

and

ASBESTOS INSULATION https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Insulation.php where more history and examples are discussed

We could also be seeing the edge of rooftop fiberboard or similar insulation installed in boards or sheets - I can't say from just the edge we see in your photo.

Below is an example of Oakum insulation. It's a plant fibre that is impregnated with a resin that expands when wet - used for centuries as a caulking on boards and on some buildings.

The example of oakum shown above is sold in Australia by https://shop.classic-boat-supplies.com.au/

On 2021-09-01 by markvansomething

Just wondering about the insulation that is exposed in our bathroom around the skylight. By looking at it, can we be sure that it does not contain asbestos?
The house was built in 1980 in Australia.

Possible oakum insulation under metalroof in Australia - 1980 skylight - (C) InspectApedia.com markvansomething

On 2021-06-28 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Robert,

My goodness - and we're both still kicking around. Thanks for the nice words.

It's not uncommon to find "wrong-way" insulation in a basement as the installer figured he was putting the barrier towards the "wet" side;

We also find a vapor barrier sandwich installation from time to time: barriers on both sides.

The trouble is water gets in to the sandwich over the life of the building but it has trouble getting out: hence rot, mold, etc.

Best:

1. fix the moisture before you re-insulate

2. consider closed cell foam spray insulation

On 2021-06-28 by Robert

@InspectApedia-911, Thank you Dan - you inspected my home in '96 and I appreciate your continued work in the field!

On 2021-06-27 by friedmandaniel911

@Robert,

I agree in that I like closed cell foam insulation products in areas that might be exposed to moisture. Of course most useful is to find and address moisture sources.

On 2021-06-27 by Robert

I have an old damp basement. The ceiling batten insulation was put in the wrong way (face side facing out) and I plan to remove it. After checking the joist areas for mold etc. would board insulation be a better choice for moisture remediation? (I also plan to address the wet issue at a later date)

On 2021-06-01 by mak.church (mod) - Plaster & Wood Lath in a U.K. 1920s home

@Dominic,
That's normal plaster and wood lath; No insulation is visible in the photo;

Plaster is not normally an asbestos material, but you can find some exceptions. The easiest way to find relevant information is to use the on-page search box to find our related articles such as:

ASBESTOS in PLASTER

ASBESTOS PHOTO GUIDE to MATERIALS

On 2021-06-01 by Dominic

Hi there, I wonder if you could please help identify the exposed materials in this wall.

Worried it could be asbestos, but wondering if it might just be plaster (someone mentioned Lime Plaster). The building is late Victorian (1890's) and then was extended in 1920's in the UK. This is under a baseboard in an internal wall. Cheers! :)

On 2021-01-22 by (mod)

Mary

It would be extremely odd for an attic insulation to show up in your saliva. You need to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

**IF** the installers made a dusty mess and tracked fiberglass dust in the occupied space of your home, you could certainly have that space cleaned: damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming would be sufficient.

Never try to get your home down to zero fiberglass fragments. First, because low and normal levels of such fibers are harmless and second because you can't get rid of every dust particle or fibre in a building. Trying to do so is pouring money uselessly down the drain.

In fact testing indoor dust I find a few fiberglass fibers among indoor dust particles (which is normal) in just about every building and occupied space.

On 2021-01-22 by Mary

i had fiberglass insulation put into an attic space over a room that is over our garage almost 5 months ago. I can see sparkly fibers in my saliva and have not felt well since insulation was installed. I'm afraid to have it removed because I fear it will make it worse. Is there anyplace you know of where I could get the saliva tested? Do you think it should be removed?

On 2021-01-20 by (mod)

Concerned:

Loose or falling fiberglass insulation may indeed need to be cleaned-up and such areas damp-wiped and/or HEPA vacuumed as part of the insulation repair.

On 2021-01-20 by mod)

Fiberglass vent insulation (C) InspectApedia.com HelpIDHelp

That looks like fiberglass insulation; [though a better photo could help us be certain it' snot a spray foam product)

if you are not disturbing it there will be negligible levels of airborne particles at all and not harmful levels from such as small and undamaged source.

If that's a foam product AND if it is on a heating flue exhaust it would need to be rated for hight temperature and fire safety; around an air intake or similar product that's not a concern.

There's no maintenance required if it's not falling out or leaking air.

On 2021-01-19 by help identify

what is this insulation? and is it safe to breathe?

On 2021-01-19 by concerned

Holes around pipes in utility closet have exposed and falling insulation. It is right above my air conditioner unit intake.

concerned I am breathing fiberglass particles, or worse. Help identifying what this material is would be greatly appreciated.

also am I correct in understanding that insulation should never be left exposed where it could become airborne? And that it should be maintained? And that in the event of any disturbance it should be repaired? A week and a half ago there was a toilet leak upstairs and water poured through those holes, 3 inches of water accumulated on the utility closet floor.

Building management is not responding saying that it is the material that was approved by the city when the building was built. However this does not seem kosher. As far as I understand building departments require certain qualities but do not approve specific products, and as mentioned, it does not seem standard to me to have left this exposed.

I rent this condo. Any and all advice on what to is appreciated! Ideally I just want to get it fixed/abated. But would it be wiser to get an inspection and testing first?

 


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