Safety

     Health & Safety

Best Safety Practices & Harmful Materials

 

Safety Considerations:

Before you make the final decision and start insulating, a full inspection should be made of the areas in question.  There are a few things every customer thinking of installing new insulation should consider before proceeding and a licensed professional like Harron's Insulation & Ceilings, Inc. can properly assess the situation before work begins.  Harron's will also test any materials thought to contain asbestos and provide a report to the customer before installations are completed.  Some issues that may arise are as follows:

 

- Wet or damp insulation indicating leaks.

- Moldy or rotted attic rafters or floor joists indicating moisture problems.

- Kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer vents exhaust moist air directly into the attic space.

- A history of ice dams in the winter (an indication of serious air leaks and insulation problems).

- Little or no attic ventilation.

- Knob and tube wiring (pre-1930), which can be a fire hazard when in contact with insulation.

- Properly blocking unsealed and uninsulated recessed “can” lights.

- Possible presence of Asbestos.

 

Asbestos:

Asbestos was once common in insulation products, but is no longer today. If your home was built before 1975, it is possible that the insulation is vermiculite, which can contain asbestos. Vermiculite is a lightweight, pea-size, flaky gray mineral. If you have reason to believe existing insulation may be vermiculite, do not disturb it and have it tested by a professional for asbestos. Your local health department, or possibly an insulation contractor, can help you identify means of getting this testing done. If it is determined that asbestos is present, a professional needs to remove the insulation.