I'm looking for advice on running some electrical wire through walls that contain vermiculite insulation. I'm a bit nervous about cutting into the wall, especially since I've heard that vermiculite can be a health risk. Are there any methods or tricks to minimize the mess and risk of exposure? Any recommendations on safety precautions or steps I should follow?
3 Answers
It's definitely a good idea to be cautious! First off, if you're concerned about asbestos, I'd recommend sending a sample for testing. Not all vermiculite contains it, but older kinds often do. If it tests positive, you'll need to consider your safety seriously before proceeding. If you're sure it's safe or if it's been tested, just make a small hole and then use expanding foam to fill it in afterwards. It should help keep the vermiculite from spilling out too much when you enlarge the hole for the wire.
Listen, if you're determined to do it yourself and the risk still worries you, try this: drill a small hole, then fill it with spray foam and let it dry. When you're ready, drill through the foam to pull your wire. This method might help contain the vermiculite and make cleanup easier later on. Just remember to be careful!
You might want to hire a professional to remove the vermiculite if there's a risk of asbestos. I know it's a big hassle and can be pricey, but your health is worth it! If you want to tackle it yourself, remember to wear proper PPE and keep a spray bottle with water handy to damp down any insulation that falls out. Just take your time and be careful!