Alternatives To Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos is a mineral that is made up of fibers that have heat, fire, and corrosion resistant properties, so one would think that it would be an ideal material to be included in the insulation of homes and buildings. The problem with asbestos is that its fibers can enter the air, where they can be inhaled or ingested by people. When someone is continuously exposed to asbestos, the fibers that are being inhaled or swallowed can lead to things like inflammation of the lungs, scarring, and a wide range of serious diseases like mesothelioma & lung cancer. While asbestos is no longer used in the insulation materials that are produced today, older homes that were built in the 1980s or before are likely to still contain asbestos in insulation, cement, electrical parts, and other building materials. If you believe that your home may contain asbestos in its insulation, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible with a safer alternative! Below, we’ll discuss three different types of insulation that can be used in place of asbestos-containing insulation!
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is a sprayable material that rapidly expands, allowing it to reach the smallest gaps in your walls and achieve a good seal. Polyurethane foam has excellent thermal retention, making it an ideal material for insulation. This material is also popular for window installations, so you may have worked with it before if you’ve ever replaced a window! Polyurethane foam is non-toxic, making it a much safer material to work with and have within your home than asbestos-containing insulation!
Cellulose Fiber
One of the most popular and commonly utilized asbestos insulation substitutes is cellulose fiber. Cellulose insulation is made up of fire resistant recycled paper and is an excellent air-blocker, which will help your home retain its heat. Given that cellulose fiber is often composed of 85% recycled material, it is a fantastic "green" alternative that is much safer than asbestos insulation.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is made up of extremely fine glass fibers and is one of the most common types of insulation. If you’ve ever seen a pink or yellow cotton-candy-like material on the walls or ceiling in a basement, crawl space, or attic, you were probably looking at fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is another material that is excellent at slowing down heat loss, helping you save on your energy bills!
Contact DCM Environmental For Asbestos Testing In Massachusetts!
If you believe your home or business may contain asbestos, it's crucial for your health to test for it as soon as possible. At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to learn more or get a free asbestos testing estimate by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
