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.

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.