How to Identify Asbestos-Contaminated Insulation

Posted in Asbestos Removal, on April 15, 2025

In the past, loose-fill attic insulation was known to be contaminated with asbestos fibres often. This was common with vermiculite insulation, and vermiculite was usually mined from areas that had asbestos. As a result, asbestos found its way into homes and buildings around the Greater Toronto Area. While today, new insulation is allowed to have any traces of asbestos, old installations may require asbestos removal in Toronto. When you need asbestos insulation removal, the process must be handled by reputable, experienced, and trusted restoration and abatement companies like Canada's Restoration Services to prevent contamination, exposure, and, eventually, chronic illness. When you invest in asbestos removal costs with Canada's Restoration Services, you can be confident that our experts will handle any contaminated material safely and responsibly. 

If you're not sure whether you need asbestos insulation removal in the Toronto area, read on. 

Your Home Was Built Before the 1990s

The age of your home is one of the biggest red flags. Properties that were built before the early 1990s have a higher likelihood of having some asbestos-containing materials that were used somewhere during construction, especially in the attic. At that time, vermiculite was marketed as a fire-resistant, lightweight insulation.

Vermiculite insulation seemed like a good idea at the time because of these desirable properties. But many of those products came from contaminated sources. If you know your attic insulation is original and untouched, it is a good idea to contact a restoration company like Canada's Restoration Services about an asbestos inspection. 

Changes in Loose-Fill Insulation Appearance

Vermiculite insulation doesn't look like modern-day batts or rolls. It has a distinctive appearance. It actually looks more like crushed stone or mica flakes. It's loose, grey-brown or silver-gold in colour and can look shiny under a light.

If you suspect there is asbestos in your attic, experts recommend staying away until a professional is contacted to ensure the sensitive fibres don't become airborne. However, if you've already caught a glimpse of the insulation and it looks like tiny rocks or gravel scattered across the space, there's a chance you're looking at vermiculite. If it is vermiculite, there's a risk of asbestos. To be safe, book an inspection and explore your options for asbestos removal in Toronto. 

The Insulation Is Disturbed or Damaged

Asbestos isn't just about having it in your home. The real danger comes when fibres become airborne. That's when they're most likely to be inhaled.

If your attic insulation has been moved, damaged, or disturbed, whether by previous renovations, animals, or even homeowners poking around, asbestos fibres may have been released into the air. Even if it's not already in a broken-down state, walking or moving through the space and shifting the material can release particles you won't see but could still breathe in.

Increased Dust or Air Quality Issues

Old insulation that contains asbestos can deteriorate over time. This doesn't always show itself as damage, but it can lead to increased dust in your home, unexplained respiratory irritation, or a musty smell coming from the attic. If you've noticed these changes, and your insulation is old and looks like vermiculite, it's worth investing in professional asbestos removal costs and investigating further with the support and guidance of reputable technicians at Canada's Restoration Services.

When in Doubt, Call the Experts for Asbestos Insulation Removal

At Canada's Restoration Services, our team follows strict containment protocols to safely remove asbestos insulation, keeping your home and air clean and your loved ones safe during every step of the process.

We've handled asbestos removal across Toronto for years, and we know how to do it safely, thoroughly, and with as little disruption to your home as possible.

CALL NOW!