I'm in a bit of a pickle with our new century home! During an inspection, we discovered vermiculite in the finished attic, which is where our main and secondary bedrooms are located. The attic has been converted into living space, featuring slanted walls and access panels that open into areas where we found the vermiculite. Our inspector suspects that this stuff might be lurking under the entire floorboard up there. I'm a bit freaked out since it's close to where we sleep, and I'm not comfortable just leaving it be. I'm wondering if remediation would require pulling up all the flooring to access and remove it, and if they could check for any vermiculite that may have fallen into the walls over time. If anyone has navigated a similar situation, I'd love to get your advice! Thanks!
1 Answer
Have you thought about getting the vermiculite tested? Not all of it has asbestos, but it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Just keep in mind that testing can be tricky, and even if a sample comes back clean, it might not tell the whole story. It's often best to assume it could be contaminated just for peace of mind.
Also, since you’re in Illinois, I understand that there aren’t strict regulations regarding vermiculite, but professionals generally treat it as if it might be hazardous. Just be cautious!
Yeah, I totally get that! Testing can be hit or miss, and with the history of Libby vermiculite, it’s wise to be cautious. Better safe than sorry!