It looks like it. Here is a picture of vermiculite insulation.

Are you concerned about asbestos? Not all vermiculite contains asbestos, though it should probably be tested if renovating.

Yes concerned about it and don't want to pay a fortune for abatement
Any thought ?

I think the first step would be to gt it tested. I it is a newer home, it could be fine. Asbestos is only a problem if you disturb it and particles are airborne. It would be impossible to do a reno and not disturb this, so abatement would be the only option.

the house is from 1953 so i am thinking abatement but got crazy pricing such as 10.00 per sq foot and up so i figure that would buy a lot of safety equipment and allow me to do it myself.
i am currently looking for how to abatement advise but am not finding much on utube

Do you happen to need a new roof on the house? I have been in this situation before.

Depending on how much stuff you have to remove, you can try to take it out yourself but you must be dressed properly and wear the proper breathing regulator. Tape off the entire area and have a wash area that is separate from the collection and bagging area. But even if you do all of that no dump or sanitation center will accept it and the airborn particles will fly around for years. In the long run it is best to get it tested and if contaminated find an abatement company. If you have a wife a kids it will be the best money you spend. Also test for lead paint while you are at it. They sell those kits in home centers.

Daisy
We just obtained the house and it had a new roof put on 1 year ago

Christine
I have spoken to the landfill and they will accept all material containing asbestos
As long as we call ahead first so they bury as soon as we dump it
The house is empty and won't be inhabited until we are done all the work

I know many, if not most states require a license for asbestos removal. I would be very surprised if Canada did not have a similar requirement even though they are infamous for still exporting this hazardous material.

Sarah
Lol last time I checked the Libby mine was still in Montana

Sean, Alberta "seems" to allow for "self removal" but the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual is frighteningly detailed. The cost for a non-certified person (trades or otherwise) is going to set you back several thousands...just for the right product. Vermiculite is considered unusual in that you are required to take nothing less than 4 samples and send them into a lab. The lab is to look for asbestos, but do not rely on the percentage as the product is highly granulated and not all granules have asbestos.

Even with concentrations of LESS THAN 1% the vermiculite is considered a medium or high risk removal The cautions on this particular material are pretty alarming.

http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/Asbestos-Abatement-Manual.pdf

They talk about a "dirty room", a shower/hose down area, hazmat suites, half masks...and that is for the collection of samples. Removal is far more exciting: negative air units, HEPA FILTER vacuum trucks, etc. This product has many "special mentions" and has earned its own chapter and its own "Danger! Danger!"

If you are in a relationship with someone, and it goes south...they may have recourse against you should something show up. Alberta believes in lawsuits and handing out large personal damage.

As hard as it sounds to swallow $10/hour...that is AWESOME for Alberta!!! Normally trades are asking for $30 - $60 per hour!!!!

Oh, yeah. Vemiculite is also considered one of the few products that can cause concern by leaving it in place!!! Because it is "loose" and in granulated form with "air flow" over it (attic insulation still achieves air flow) it is considered hazardous to leave in place.

Thanks Cancork
That is awesome info
We may end up having it removed professionally even though it is not mandate
I wish it was 10 per hour it's 10 per square foot to start dependant on the material . My actual quotes started at 17,000 dollars for this 1200 square foot house.

My father was called several times as an expert witness on asbestos. Believe me, that will be $17,00 well spent should your vermiculite contain asbestos. Unfortunately is cannot be simply encapsulated like many asbestos products.

Zoinks! Really makes you sit up and take notice! Ouch. I guess the only thing is to put up the money and hope the rest of the reno goes without a hitch.

Good luck. Can't buy your health!!

get several estimates in writing. There a many scammers out there as laws have changed & WCB makes it very difficult to do work without tests. There are some that try to do themselves, but have to rent special equipment. I had a client recently that got part way into it and had to cal in the specialists.

Yes, you can't buy your health back. Take all care.

I actually needed a new roof at the same time and came up with a crazy idea that worked. My concern was having the vermiculite (which I had all over the attic of my 1908 house) dragged through the house. It took ALOT and I mean A lot of convincing but I had a company cut a hole in my roof - the hose was brought in through the hole and we removed it that way. Hole was patched up and new shake and shingle applied. Voila.

Urbana
These abatement guys are slick
I can't get a hard number from any of them , starting price only ,that's why I'm exploring doing this myself.
I would get zero work if I quoted like this

Thanks Dai
We will explore that avenue

what did you wind up doing? I got quote $7K to remove the remainder of basement tile made of 3%chrysotile.someone has already started pulling hte tile up, so ow there's a limited number ot pull up but i'm scared of this person finishing the job without the correct precautions in place.

Don't do this yourself as asbestos causes mesothelioma cancer. Not worth the risk. Hire professionals.

I have a 1955 ranch style home . i have vemuculute in my attic . the access to thr attic in not in my house . you have to go through the garage and above the garage an d then through a door to access the attic. Years ago , prior to me moving here, some renovations were done spefifically light fixtures etc . shortly after i moved here i noticed the light fixture in the bath room appeard to have bugs in it . as time went oni noticed there were more . my boyfriend took it down to clean it . no bugs ! vermiculite !!!!!! So now i am over the edge wirh panic . There must have been some gaps up where the fixture was installed. My boyfriend fixed this and it has no longer been an issue. i am

so paniced though since i have lived here for 3 years. its not like the pieces were falling everywhere but wonder if the pieces in the bathroom light fixture could have really caused a huge-risk to my health .