Q. Okay to Add More Insulation On Top of Vermiculite?

Q. Hey Mark,
I have read the postings about vermiculite and that you should not disturb it. We only have 6 inches of insulation in our attic and need more [for] our cold winter weather. How do we add more insulation to the attic without disturbing the vermiculite and causing a health hazard? Will a professional insulation company add insulation over it?
Thanks,
Victoria

Hey Victoria,
It’s hard to tell you what would be best in your situation without actually looking at the home, but I can give you some options to consider.

One option that would be a permanent solution, is to have have the vermiculite professionally removed and replaced. That’s going to be a fairly expensive proposition and one that isn’t always necessary. If the insulation is staying where it is supposed to be, isn’t sifting into the living area around lights and fixtures, and has no traffic on or around it, a lower cost solution would be to cover it up.

I would recommend that you interview the insulation companies in your area, and make sure that their installers are familiar with vermiculite and the possibility that it contains asbestos. If their installers are well trained, and properly equipped, they may be able to either lay rolled insulation, or blow additional fiber or cellulose insulation over the top of what you already have. That will of course disturb what you have to a certain degree, but a properly trained and equipped installer will minimize the disturbance as much as is reasonably possible. Remember though, with the second option, you must always be aware of the vermiculite’s presence. Anyone going into the attic should be notified of it’s existence. And any remodeling that will disturb it will need to be done professionally, as well. If you have insulation added, make sure you document what was done and keep the receipts. When you go to sell the home, put some wording in your disclosure of this nature… “In 2008 we added 8 inches of blown cellulose insulation on top of the original 6 inches of vermiculite.” This does two things… It informs the buyer that vermiculite is present, and also lets them know that you improved the home by adding insulation and by covering the vermiculite. Reduce buyer suspicions by disclosing up front and increase buyer peace of mind by advertising the improvement.

Bottom line, I would recommend that you get several estimates from some asbestos remediation companies for removal, as well as insulation companies for covering it up. This will allow you to make the best decision based on your specific circumstances.
Mark

Mark Nahrgang is the owner of Kingdom Inspection Network Group – St. Louis and is a professional NACHI certified building inspector in the St. Louis metro area. Mark performs home inspections as well as commercial inspections throughout St. Louis and St. Charles County.

99 Responses

  1. Like you said, unless major remodel plans are in the works, or particles are falling from the ceiling – I think everyone should just leave the vermiculite in place and – depending on where you live – blow in 6-12″ of cellulose ins. on top of it. Vermiculite on it’s own is actually a fairly decent insulator – and so is asbestos – but as is the case with most homes and cabins insulated with it, there was not usually enough installed for a northern climate zone like central/northern MN or WI. Based on my research, the addition of 12″+ of good quality blown in cellulose on top of 4-6″ of vermiculite will give you an R-40 which is more than the R-38 that most northern governance’s require for attics and is perfectly legal to do. Just make sure you disclose what you did to any potential buyers.

  2. Nice blog In my view the Vermiculite removal is not that much easy it is silicate mineral that which is classified as phyllosilicate and it expands greatly when it gets heated. It occurs when the mineral is heated sufficiently the effect is routinely produced in commercial furnaces. And the Vermiculite is formed by weathering or alteration of biotite. for more information please visit http://www.healthyenvironmental.ca

  3. If you are going for best contents like me, just go to see
    this web site daily as it gives quality contents, thanks

  4. It’s an remarkable paragraph designed for all the online
    users; they will obtain advantage from it I am sure.

  5. With havin so much written content do you ever
    run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My blog has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored
    myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of
    it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.

    Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  6. I was suggested this web site by means of my cousin. I am no longer sure
    whether or not this post is written through him as no one else realize such precise approximately my trouble.

    You’re amazing! Thank you!

  7. Everything is very open with a very clear description of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing!

  8. I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet
    I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  9. It’s remarkable to pay a visit this site and reading the views of all friends about this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting experience.

  10. whoah this blog is great i like studying your posts.
    Stay up the great work! You recognize, many persons are looking
    round for this information, you can aid them greatly.

  11. Heya excellent blog! Does running a blog similar to this require a great deal of work?
    I have absolutely no expertise in programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should
    you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off subject nevertheless I just had to ask.
    Many thanks!

  12. Every weekend i used to visit this web site, because i want enjoyment, since this this site conations really
    pleasant funny data too.

  13. Greetings! I’ve been reading your weblog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out
    from Houston Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent
    job!

  14. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of
    hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

  15. Remarkable things here. I’m very satisfied to look your article.
    Thanks so much and I’m looking forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  16. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more about this subject
    matter, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people don’t
    talk about such subjects. To the next! Many thanks!!

  17. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s
    webpage link on your page at proper place and other person will
    also do similar in favor of you.

  18. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!

    However, how could we communicate?

  19. At this moment I am ready to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast
    coming over again to read additional news.

  20. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content.
    Your article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note
    of your website and keep checking for new details about
    once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as
    well.

  21. I think what you typed was very logical. But, what about this?
    suppose you were to write a awesome post title? I mean, I
    don’t want to tell you how to run your blog, but suppose you added something that
    grabbed people’s attention? I mean Q. Okay to Add More Insulation On Top of Vermiculite?
    | Hey Mark! Ask a Professional Home Inspector (St. Louis) is a little boring.
    You might peek at Yahoo’s home page and see how they create article titles
    to get viewers to open the links. You might add a related video
    or a related pic or two to get people interested about what you’ve
    written. Just my opinion, it might bring your posts a little
    bit more interesting.

  22. Great blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours these
    days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  23. My family all the time say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting experience daily by reading thes
    good content.

  24. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things
    out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but
    I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips
    or suggestions? With thanks

  25. Actually when someone doesn’t know afterward its up to other users that they
    will assist, so here it happens.

  26. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit yet again since
    i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way
    to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  27. Marvelous, what a web site it is! This website gives useful data to
    us, keep it up.

  28. WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for fat
    loss

  29. I’m excited to find this site. I want to to thank you for ones
    time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit
    of it and i also have you bookmarked to look at new information on your blog.

  30. For most up-to-date news you have to pay a visit the web and on internet I found this site as a finest web page for newest updates.

  31. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long
    as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
    My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this ok with you. Thank you!

  32. Superb site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any forums that cover the
    same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get responses from other experienced people that share the
    same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Cheers!

  33. Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?

    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic,
    let alone the content!

  34. of course like your web-site however you need to check
    the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife
    with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to
    inform the reality however I’ll certainly come again again.

  35. I do consider all the ideas you’ve presented for your post.
    They’re really convincing and can certainly work.
    Still, the posts are very quick for novices. May just you
    please lengthen them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.

  36. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous
    to and you’re just too magnificent. I really like what you
    have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say
    it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.

    I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a
    tremendous website.

  37. Old age is the golden harvest of life opening us to the
    light, life and love-giving forces of the Heavens. It takes a lot to create even one chapter of a book.
    Mark Twain is of those who write good jokes; he is an American author as well as a humorist.

  38. Amid the most successful applications of anaerobic treatment for the oxidation of toxic pollutants is
    the case of the treatment of effluent in the plastic industry containing high concentrations of terephthalate.
    On the other hand, centralized systems are noticed to be expensive in the long run. The biological infiltration uses two types of
    bacteria: the bacteria that oxidise ammonia to nitrite (nitrosomonas) and the bacteria that oxidise nitrite to nitrate (nitrobacter).

  39. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came
    to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  40. I tend not to create many responses, but i did
    a few searching and wound up here Q. Okay to Add More Insulation On Top of Vermiculite?
    | Hey Mark! Ask a Professional Home Inspector (St. Louis).
    And I do have a couple of questions for you if it’s allright.

    Could it be just me or does it look as if like some of these remarks come across like they are written by brain dead folks?
    😛 And, if you are posting on other online social sites, I would like to follow everything new you have to post.

    Could you list of every one of all your shared
    sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter
    feed?

  41. Think about it though, with simply how much sugaar
    andd salot we ingest already, why would we want to inject more into our bloodstream.

    Doctors had made a vaccination to subdue the signs andd sympgoms
    of typhoid. No matter how safe and imlortant they are often, it’s easier
    to look at the possible dangers to know possible consequences.

  42. beats mixr
    I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.

  43. Quality articles or reviews is the key to invite the users to visit the website, that’s what this web page
    is providing.

  44. These areas of the cartridge have to be emptied before new toner
    can be added. When you consider buying from a re-manufacturer, look at
    their processes to see how they compare. The most easy method to refill the cartridges is through the use of a CIS unit, it contains a set of cartridges that have tubes connected to them.

  45. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness
    over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as
    exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  46. Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as
    you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account aided me a applicable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
    bright clear idea

  47. s a bit of truth to the mostly fiction tales we were told as kids.
    You can be relaxed just by consuming food and drinks.
    When you give your body a daily dose of these super foods it’s like renovating your body
    the way someone would renovate an old house that has seen better days.

  48. Much as the car looks after all of our transport demands, it’s also your task for more
    information about be on the lookout after your car’s needs.
    There is practically no reason why you would not choose this shop for lavage auto Montreal especially
    when you are not just after the usual car wash services. Only certified and well trained experts and repair technicians who have years of
    experience of performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul can understand the condition of your car.

  49. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of.

    I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they
    just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal.

    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  50. Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
    that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  51. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent
    concept

  52. So if you’re looking to develop good quality hearty forearm and torso then you better end up a boulder and commence working it.
    The knots which might be made on the rope will allow you to make a straightforward climb.
    Gunk also create a fairly easy access for the mountains
    who’ve a friedly nature that hav the area where they going to climb.

  53. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
    it seems as though you relied on the video to
    make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be
    giving us something enlightening to read?

  54. Incredible quest there. What occurred after? Good
    luck!

  55. It’s an remarkable post in support of all the online people; they will obtain advantage from it I
    am sure.

  56. Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post.

    Thank you for providing this info.

  57. I do not even know how I ended up here, but
    I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are
    going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  58. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for
    your next post thanks once again.

  59. Post writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with then you can write if not
    it is complex to write.

  60. Unquestionably imagine that which you said.
    Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web
    the easiest thing to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst
    other folks think about worries that they just do not recognise about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top as neatly as defined out the entire thing without having side effect , folks can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  61. Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told was a enjoyment
    account it. Look complicated to far brought agreeable from you!
    However, how could we be in contact?

  62. This is the right webpage for everyone who hopes to
    find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a new spin on a topic that’s been discussed for decades.
    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

  63. Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
    Appreciate it!

  64. Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding anything totally, however this paragraph offers nice understanding yet.

  65. It’s difficult to find experienced people for this
    subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!

    Thanks

  66. Wow, marvelous weblog format! How long have you ever been blogging for?
    you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site
    is magnificent, let alone the content material!

  67. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled
    upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that
    I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and
    even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  68. What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable knowledge on the topic of unpredicted
    feelings.

  69. Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download
    it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out.

    Please let me know where you got your theme. Thank you

  70. Nothing represents every day life much better than clash
    of clans hack, and I meaan absolutely nothing. A sharp down turn in middle clss investment may result in changes iin the market.
    Sheryl Crow’s villa is placed on 150 acres oof land.

  71. Hi I am so excited I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Digg
    for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say kudos
    for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also
    love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up
    the great job.

  72. Hi friends, how is everything, and what you would like to say concerning this article, in my view its genuinely awesome designed for me.

  73. Magnificent site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.

    And of course, thank you for your effort!

  74. Hi there to every one, the contents existing at this web site are in fact awesome for people experience,
    well, keep up the nice work fellows.

  75. I savor, lead to I discovered just what I used to be taking a look for.
    You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice
    day. Bye

  76. If you are going for finest contents like I do, simply
    visit this web site every day for the reason that
    it provides feature contents, thanks

  77. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
    checkbox and now each time a comment is added
    I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way
    you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

  78. Hello, I wish for to subscribe for this website to get
    hottest updates, so where can i do it please help.

  79. If you which means that tend to get a fire-starters,
    we’ve got to first of all deal with the particular heap within the stage when many of us arrange to build.
    This will be a common theme, because everything is made of Legos in this place.
    7 million, which was less than 1% of what he
    was worth.

  80. Shhe visited her doctor,and he diagnosed her
    injury as a possible ankle sprain. In rockclimbing
    guide service, the guides are devoted to you and only you.
    This isn’t a task that inexperienced climbers need,
    as you’ll want to have a thorough understanding from the techniquhes andd
    equipment needed for icy terrain.

  81. Read to know more about chalk powder and why it
    is essential. Some famojs solo climbers known worldwide today are John BACHAR,
    Paull PREUSS, Dan OSMAN, Henjry Barber, Derek Hershey andd Dean Potter.
    A small yard does not imply a play structure
    no longer has sufficient the question.

  82. Sclerotherapy iis used to treat varicose and spider
    veins. The role of herbal compounds utilized iin traditional mmedicine has alpso been thoroughly investigated and included in our treatments.

    Initial consultation using thee professional will help to determine how much treatments needed and also the best method to use for
    the successful removing the veins.

  83. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
    site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get
    that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal.
    I must ssay that you’ve done a very good job with this. Also, tthe blog loads extremely fast for me on Safari.

    Outstanding Blog!

  84. I just couldn’t deart your site pripr to suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a personn
    supply oon your visitors? Is gonna be again frequently in order to investigate cross-check new posts

  85. Thanks in favor of sharing such a good opinion, paragraph is
    pleasant, thats why i have read it completely

  86. Wow! At last I got a weblog from where I know how to in fact get
    helpful factys regarding my study and knowledge.

  87. We stumbled over here different website and thought I might
    check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to looking over your web page for a second time.

  88. This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a
    reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
    to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.

    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
    how you presented it. Too cool!

  89. I have read so many content about the blogger lovers however
    this piece of writing is truly a good article, keep it up.

  90. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve performed an impressive
    process and our whole community shall be grateful to you.

  91. hi!,I love your writing so a lot! proportion we keep up a correspondence more approximately
    your article on AOL? I need a specialist
    in this house to unravel my problem. May be that is you!
    Taking a look forward to look you.

  92. Thanks in favor of sharing such a fastidious idea, post
    is good, thats why i have read it completely

  93. When your fans click on the оffer and if
    they are a real “passionate” group, chances are high that they’ll complete the CPA offer that you have.
    Follߋw this up along wiith something like “Have you ever noticed how the Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 is an automatic chronograph. This was Nagato’s 2nd pain and unleashing Rinnegan on all Leaf Anbu Black Ops and Hanzos subordinates are killed.

  94. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset.

    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your
    blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an email if interested. Cheers!

  95. Hi, yup this paragraph is genuinely fastidious and I have learned lot of
    things from it regarding blogging. thanks.

  96. It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people about
    this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
    Thanks

  97. Dedicados a ofrecer soluciones rápidas con garantía ante los problemas de sus electrodomésticos, ya sean frigoríficos, hornos, estufas, lavavajillas, aires acondicionados, congeladores, lavadoras y secadoras. Nuestros especialistas disponen de las herramientas necesarias, conocimientos y experiencia, con formación continua sobre las últimas tecnologías en reparaciones de electrodomésticos de hogar. Es por esto que en Madrid ofrecemos un servicio técnico Liebherr para cubrir todas sus necesidades.

  98. I have observed that of all sorts of insurance, medical health insurance is the most questionable because of the conflict between the insurance cover company’s duty to remain making money and the buyer’s need to have insurance cover. Insurance companies’ earnings on health plans are low, hence some companies struggle to make a profit. Thanks for the concepts you discuss through this site.

Leave a reply to Bowel Cleanse Cancel reply