Vermiculite insulation
Riley Leppo| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon
Hi, I have two or three inches of vermiculite insulation in my attic. I have already read up on all the hazards and removal options. I don’t use my attic for storage or any other reason to enter. I don’t feel the vermiculite is adequate insulation and want to reinsulate. Can l blow 6 to 7 inches of insulation of the top of it? I was thinking of using the block insulation you buy from Home Depot.
Thank you for the help!
Riley
Replies
Air sealing is the first prerequisite to adding more insulation. Unless you KNOW the vermiculite is asbestos free, the air sealing process may have some hazard for the air-sealing worker and the occupants.
What is "...block insulation..."?
The problem with blowing on top (I assume you mean cellulose) is that you are missing an important opportunity to air-seal the attic floor, which is a mistake in my opinion. I would get a legitimate company to remove the vermiculite and start with a clean slate.
Riley,
Blowing insulation on top of the existing vermiculite could endanger your health and the health of your family. Don't do it.
Here is a link to a GBA article with more information:Fixing Attics With Vermiculite Insulation.