Vermiculite Removal in Pewaukee, WI

Vermiculite removal in Pewaukee

Pewaukee has a lot of homes with vermiculite insulation in the attic. We recently removed and replaced asbestos containing vermiculite from a home on Prospect Avenue in Pewaukee, WI. This 1,500 sf attic was complicated and had vermiculite mainly at the perimter, but it was also scattered above some old balsam wool batting. This batted material was draped over the tops of the joists. The vermiculite also accumulated where it sagged downward.

Vermiculoie in an attic in Pewaukee, WI
The vermiculite was poured on top of the original balsam wool batting that was stapled over the tops of the joists

This attic had either floor boards or another layer of fiberglass batting above the vermiculite and balsam wool batting. Below is what it looked like before we removed these materials.

Floor boards and fiberglass batting over vermiculite
Floor boards and fiberglass batting that conceal vermiculite that is underneath

After we remove the fiberglass batting, floor boards, balsam wool batting, and loose vermiculite by vacuum method the attic starts looking much better. It is now an attic that can be air sealed and re-insulated.

Attic after vermiculite is removed
The same attic after all insulation types have been removed

This attic had so many staples holding the balsam wool batting down that the owner instructed us to leave it in place to save on labor costs. Now that the attic is safe to work in the insulation crew from Racine Home Insulators, LLC crew can begin to do their work. First they air seal all bypasses (leaks) between the living space and the attic. Air sealing is accomplished by injecting polyurethane foam sealants into the openings and gaps in the attic floor.

air sealing and vent chutes
The attic’s leaks and gaps are sealed tight with polyurethane foam. Thsi is called “air sealing”.

Finally, 15″ of 100% borate fire retardant cellulose insulation was blown in. We only use industry best cellulose made by Weather Blanket (Champion Insulation) in Fond du Lac, WI. After a few years the cellulose will settle down to 13.5″-14.0″ to provide a thermal barrier of R50.

100% Borate Fire Retardant Cellulose
The attic receives a thermal barrier of R50 from 15″ of borate fire retardant cellulose.

This home may be older, but it is now one of the most energy efficient attics in the neighborhood. The owner saved over $6,300 by participating in Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program and the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust. Racine Home Insulators, LLC offers these reimbursements as upfront discounts so our customers do not have to wait the 12-16 weeks it takes to receive them. As a result, the owner paid approximately $4,200 for all of the work described above. All paperwork was handled by Racine Home Insulators, LLC. If you have vermiculite, or an old attic that needs updating give Matt, owner of Racine Home Insulators, LLC a call or text today at 262-989-8299.

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