Often people ask us what is the cost to remove Vermiculite Attic Insulation (VAI)? Our response gathers 35 years of experience and the knowledge of Dr. George. Riegel, the leading expert on asbestos exposure and lung disease. In line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommendations, Dr. Riegel performs vermiculite cleanup that does not involve total removal.
We generally do not recommend total removal for two reasons. First, total removal of asbestos vermiculite is virtually impossible. Next, it is very costly to perform correctly. It is possible, and we are capable of providing this service, however we do not recommend this for the average homeowner.
Instead, we recommend a process of cleaning and building barriers around all access points of your attic. This includes any and all attic hatches, whole house fans, pull down stairs, bathroom exhaust fans, recessed lights, etc. To isolate and properly clean a smaller number of areas takes care of the asbestos at a lower price.
Why not removal?
Asbestos fibers are 500 times smaller than a human hair. That is what makes vermiculite removal difficult due to the volume of fibers which become airborne during removal. Asbestos is generally not harmful, UNLESS you disturb it. Therefore, the process of removing vermiculite (vacuuming, sweeping, etc.) greatly disturbs the asbestos dust mixed in with the vermiculite squares. Studies with the EPA and Dr. Riegel show that air levels with disturbing VAI can be as high as 8,000 times the Permissible Exposure Limit!
In an entire attic consisting of many gaps, corners, nooks and crannies, it is virtually impossible to remove and contain every asbestos fiber. In addition, the EPA states that “There is NO safe level of asbestos exposure,” and is known that one fiber of asbestos can cause cancer and lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Therefore, we always recommend the safest and most cost effective solution for vermiculite cleanup. If there is roof or ceiling damage, then the VAI would need to be removed in that area.
How to Get Rid of Vermiculite Properly and Cost Effectively
Our cleanup focuses on the attic access areas follows all EPA asbestos removal procedures. For example, we use of HEPA negative air isolation and EPA approved products. Most importantly, we perform all projects with independent air monitoring and clearance testing.
Schedule a Vermiculite Inspection Today
Call or Text 248-962-6095 or fill out our Contact Form on our Contact Us for a timely response. We are fully licensed and insured asbestos contractors. Read more about Dr. Riegel and our 35 years of customer satisfaction today.
What is the Cost of Vermiculite Removal?
Call or Text 248-962-6095 for a quote on your vermiculite project performed by Healthy Homes, Inc. and Asbestos Removal Technologies, Inc.
