Electricians that work in attics may be putting themselves at risk if the attic contains vermiculite insulation. For many decades the hazards of working near vermiculite were largely unknown or ignored, but that all changed in 2009 when the federal and state laws changed. Specifically, the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on vermiculite and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) rules regarding vermiculite took effect that year.
Racine Home Insulators, LLC is an insulation company serving Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine counties that specializes in the removal of old and nasty attic insulation. We specialize in vermiculite insulation that most often contains asbestos.
We have been removing attic insulation in attics for years because that is the best way to properly air seal an attic before new insulation is added. We have discovered a lot of vermiculite over the years, especially in Racine, Kenosha, and the greater Milwaukee area.
Most electricians know what vermiculite is, but see this picture of a typical attic with lots of vermiculite (and the need for an electrician). Attic vermiculite is granular and often shiny. It can be smaller than a pea in size, or as big as an almond. View a picture of vermiculite up close.
Unfortunately, vermiculite often contains asbestos and electricians who are in attics with vermiculite are at risk. With millions of dollars set aside by the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust (ZAI Trust) to assist homeowners with the removal of vermiculite, it now makes sense to remove the vermiculite before the electrician does their work. The money also helps pay for re-insulating the attic once the electrician has completed their work.
Having the vermiculite removed before the electrician begins will make their job easier and safer. It will also prevent them from being liable for creating a hazard for the homeowner, as it is illegal to disturb vermiculite without being a licensed asbestos contractor. Many electricians know this, but some still don’t. Racine Home Insulators carries pollution liability insurance, and as a result we are fully insured and licensed to abate asbestos and vermiculite from attics.
A Note to Electrical Contractors
Racine Home Insulators, LLC services Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, and the greater Milwaukee area. We are interested in pairing up with Electrical contractors that perform their work to the highest standards. While we know some companies will continue to cut corners and create unsafe conditions, we believe that removing vermiculite attic insulation before any work begins is in both the homeowner’s and the contractor’s best interest. Removing vermiculite dramatically raises the value of the property, creates a safe work environment for all future contractors, and results in a much better install of equipment and re-insulation. If you agree, please contact Racine Home Insulators, LLC so we can add you to a list of companies we refer to homeowners in need of electrical work.
