What Is Vermiculite Insulation?

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that was widely used as attic insulation in Canadian homes between the 1920s and 1990s. It looks like small, lightweight, pebble-like granules and typically ranges in colour from silver-gold to grey-brown. Vermiculite was popular for its fire-resistant, sound-dampening, and thermal insulating properties.

Much of the vermiculite insulation used across Canada originated from the Libby Mine in Montana, marketed under the brand name Zonolite. This mine was later found to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos, a dangerous form of asbestos. As a result, vermiculite insulation is considered a potential health hazard and is regulated under both provincial and federal guidelines, including those from Health Canada and provincial occupational health and safety agencies.

Is Vermiculite Insulation Dangerous?

Vermiculite itself isn’t harmful, but much of it—especially insulation from the Libby Mine—is likely to contain asbestos. Since asbestos fibers are dangerous when airborne, vermiculite is treated as a presumptive asbestos-containing material (PACM) in Canada. Because it can’t be confirmed visually and must be tested in a lab, we offer safe and professional vermiculite removal services when contamination is suspected.

Can You Remove Vermiculite Yourself?

No. Removing vermiculite yourself can mean accidentally exposing you and anyone in your building to harmful particles that irritate the lungs and increase health risks. It’s also against the law.

On January 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC rolled out regulations that require anyone doing asbestos abatement work to be a licensed contractor. Licensed contractors have the training to assess your project’s scope and recommend safety considerations that protect you and other building occupants from risky contaminants that can lead to health problems that may not even become noticeable until much later in your life.

Why take the risk when our technicians are trained to use proven methods to rid your space of outdated insulating materials that the government of Canada no longer deems safe to use in modern construction and renovation work?

Why You Should Let a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company Handle the Job

Licensed insulation removal and replacement companies have the tools, training, and certifications to perform vermiculite abatement safely, efficiently, and fully comply with local laws.

Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd’s technicians are licensed to mitigate risks associated with handling and disposing of vermiculite insulation products. We create protective barriers to prevent contamination of other parts of your building and work quickly to contain all the materials that can potentially harm your health.

We’re also qualified to responsibly dispose of asbestos-contaminated insulation products and provide decontamination cleaning services. This is another way we can help you move your restoration or abatement project forward without delay.

Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd Is Your Certified Removal Contractor

At Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd, we don’t just remove asbestos-infused vermiculite—we do it with a commitment to the highest industry standards. We hire top professionals in the field and keep their training up to date as regulations and procedures evolve.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Certified asbestos abatement experts with training in provincial and federal regulations
• Strict adherence to removal protocols and negative pressure containment
• Hazardous materials certifications for all technicians
• Use of HEPA-rated equipment and air clearance testing
• Full documentation from the assessment

How Do You Remove Vermiculite Insulation?

At Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd, we follow industry-recognized practices to safely remove vermiculite insulation where asbestos may be present.

While each job is unique, here’s a general outline of how the process typically works:

1. Inspection and testing: We start with a hazardous materials survey to assess the insulation and collect samples for lab analysis to check for asbestos content.
2. Work area preparation: The affected space is carefully sealed off to prevent fiber release, often using plastic sheeting and air-tight barriers.
3. Protective measures: Our team wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and protective suits, to maintain safety during removal.
4. Safe material removal: Using specialized tools and vacuums with HEPA filters, we carefully remove the vermiculite insulation and dispose of it according to local regulations.
5. Cleanup and verification: The area is thoroughly cleaned, and post-removal air testing may be conducted to confirm the space is safe for re-entry. We provide documentation to summarize the work and prove compliance.

Who Should Consider Vermiculite Abatement Options?

If your home or building was constructed between the 1920s and 1990s, or if your attic or wall cavities contain silver-gold or grey-brown granule insulation, there’s a chance it may be contaminated vermiculite.

Consider professional vermiculite removal if:

• You’re renovating, insulating, or demolishing part of an older structure.
• A lab has confirmed the presence of asbestos in your vermiculite.
• You’ve noticed dust, deterioration, or settling insulation that may release fibers.
• You plan to sell your property and want to address known hazards proactively.
• You want to ensure a safe indoor environment for your family or tenants.

Even undisturbed vermiculite can pose a future risk, especially if insulation shifts or renovations disturb hidden materials. Our team provides thorough abatement strategies to help you move forward safely.

How Much Does Vermiculite Removal Cost?

Understanding the cost of removing vermiculite insulation is essential to planning your remediation or renovation project. Our local contractors provide transparent, customized estimates that reflect the scope of your needs so you don’t run into any surprises that cause undue stress or avoidable downtime.

When we put together your asbestos insulation remediation estimate, we’ll consider the following:

Square Footage of the Affected Area

Larger attics or wall cavities naturally require more labour, materials, and containment measures.

Accessibility and Complexity

Hard-to-reach areas, narrow crawlspaces, or multi-level structures can influence the required preparation and equipment.

Level of Contamination

Confirmed asbestos presence, insulation condition (settled or disturbed), and potential fiber release can affect removal methods and safety protocols.

Disposal and Post-Removal Testing

All asbestos-containing materials must be transported to licensed disposal sites, and optional air clearance testing may be recommended for your personal confirmation or regulatory compliance.