Vermiculite removal

[ninjatune]

Hello RS'ers... been on here nearly 10 years and haven't once noticed this sub forum.


We bought an older farm house in the country - built in 1960.
Due to the age, we've had a few materials tested for asbestos.

Ceiling tiles: negative.
Drywall/mudding: 1-5 % of mudding (will take appropriate measures)

Now the attic has vermiculite insulation. We took one sample (obtained according to recommended procedures) and had it tested. The results were negative.

Now, after a fair amount of reading online, I'm of the understanding that the testing of vermiculite can't be completely trusted for accuracy (stories of 3 samples being taken and only one coming up positive). In some places, vermiculite is considered hazardous, despite any testing, as almost all forms of it contained asbestos.

The attic area is approx. 1200 sq ft and fairly open/accessible. We've received quotes between $7000 and $16,000 and a 5 day process to have it removed. I understand it's not an issue if it's not disturbed, however we have renovation plans that will absolutely disturb it - plus its R value is pretty weak.

Has anyone gone down this road, specifically with vermiculite?

TIA

[Farfetched]

Not completely related, but when we demoed our place we had the vermiculite insulation. I think it was also positive in either the drywall/mudding or floor tiles. Yea 16k full bubble around the place and a 5 day process. Was it worth it? Well the house is safer and everything, but ur also 16k in the hole. The funny thing is you see a lot of houses torn down, but not a lot of asbestos remediation done.....

[MindBomber]

I've removed 20,000+ sq/ft of vermiculite over my career, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[ninjatune]

Originally Posted by MindBomber

I've removed 20,000+ sq/ft of vermiculite over my career, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Sending PM now.