Two types of old insulation that are dangerous to your health are urea formaldehyde foam which is usually gray or yellow and brittle and asbestos.
Old roof insulation types.
How to identify types of insulation used in buildings their mechanical systems.
Often all that stood between the occupants and the elements was a lath and plaster ceiling and the roof covering itself.
Most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos which may cause cancer and other health problems.
Protect water heaters to extend their longevity and lessen the amount of energy needed to heat your water.
Another way to determine what type of insulation you have in your home is to look at the insulation itself.
Consider the key characteristics.
When many old houses were built there was minimal insulation and little thought given to heat escaping upwards through the roof.
Protect your garage external walls attic and basement initially as these areas are most vulnerable to temperature change especially with all the various types of roof insulation out there.
Blanket insulation the most common and widely available type of insulation comes in the form of batts or rolls.
You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral rock and slag wool plastic fibers and natural fibers such as cotton and sheep s wool.
This is an insulation material made from recycled paper.
The most common insulation materials are fiberglass cellulose and foam.
It consists of flexible fibers most commonly fiberglass.
For example if the insulation is loose fill grey soft and without a shine you probably have cellulose insulation.
This series of articles provides details about all types of building insulation identifying each type of insulation.
Insulation types include loose fill batts rolls foam board spray board and vapor barriers.
Old attic insulation types.