FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Asbestos or rock wool?

Piffin | Posted in General Discussion on August 15, 2006 02:39am

Step right up and cast your votes. This stuff is in the atic of a place I am estimating total re-do.

It is white – looks a lot like chopped fibreglas.

part of the description on the bag says, “A covering mineral wool building insulation consisting of processed rock, slag, or glass”
also, “scientificly treated to be dust free”

Unless I find out from researching the product name, I’ll probably have send a sample to be tested someplace.

 

 

Welcome to the
Taunton University of
Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
 where …
Excellence is its own reward!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    BillHartmann | Aug 15, 2006 03:04am | #1

    I never knew that rock wool had asbestos in it?

    FWIW here is Wickes Lumber.

    http://www.bradcosupply.com/about_subsidiaries.aspx
    http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=wickes&near=Saginaw,+MI&radius=0.0&latlng=43419444,-83950833,9534583466552894488&sa=X&oi=local&ct=result&cd=1

    1. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 03:23am | #5

      There is a ref on this bag dated rev 6/68Same Wickes corp I assume. It is Saginaw 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Aug 15, 2006 03:38am | #6

        "There is a ref on this bag dated rev 6/68"I was wondering the age since the bag did not look that old.

        1. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 03:45am | #7

          It seems like they placed the bags down against the lathe between joists and then poured the wool from the next bag over it.I'll do more in the morning and not lose any sleep over it 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. User avater
    IMERC | Aug 15, 2006 03:04am | #2

    WTB vermiculite type done as a mineral wool....

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  3. User avater
    IMERC | Aug 15, 2006 03:05am | #3

    spun Vermiculate..

    that's what I was looking for...

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!



    Edited 8/14/2006 8:06 pm by IMERC

    1. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 03:20am | #4

      Some vermiculite does contain asbestos. It depends on the mine where it came out of the ground. There are sites that include asbestos in the general catagory of mineral wool.I've been googling around and found one great reference site worth marking for everybody. From what they present, this is probably not asbestos containing, but I'll keep searching and tomorrow I'll call my insulation guy.http://www.inspect-ny.com/sickhouse/asbestoslook.htm 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. alwaysoverbudget | Aug 15, 2006 05:07am | #9

        that is the best,no hype site i have ever seen,thanks i got it bookmarked.larryhand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

        1. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 03:06pm | #10

          Thanks guys, I talked to my insulation blower guy this AM and he said that from my description he does not believe I need to worry about an asbestos in it. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. rjw3 | Aug 15, 2006 06:31pm | #11

            Will you post some pics of th rock wool itself, please?

          2. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 09:41pm | #15

            Are there visual clues to look for?I just got a copy of the engineer's inspection report. Disclaimers notwithstanding, he goes into the insulation but offers no warnings. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. rjw3 | Aug 16, 2006 06:21pm | #24

            I just like seing pics of this stuff when it is clearly identified

          4. User avater
            MarkH | Aug 16, 2006 09:17pm | #25

            Are you coming to the fest?  Maybe Piffin will bring you a baggie to look at.  I believe it's rock wool, but it's not easy to tell from a picture.

          5. rjw3 | Aug 16, 2006 10:38pm | #26

            Gotta skip the fest, dang it....

      2. hasbeen | Aug 17, 2006 06:29pm | #29

        Thanks for that link! I'm going to put the link on our website.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire

  4. User avater
    zak | Aug 15, 2006 05:07am | #8

    I've always known mineral fiber to be synonomous with rock wool, but I suppose there's no gauruntee that it doesn't have asbestos fibers in it, is there.

    zak

    "so it goes"

  5. cameraman | Aug 15, 2006 07:42pm | #12

    Piffin,

    We had a Wickes Lumber right 2 blocks down the street. That store along with one in nearby town of Grand Blanc & headquaters in Saginaw, Mi. were bought out by United Building Centers, a couple years ago.

    We still have the same manager, Wickes, he has been with the company for a long time, if you are unsure I can check with him for more info on that product, he's a very knowlagable guy.

    Just give the word.

    1. Snort | Aug 15, 2006 08:17pm | #13

      What does it cost for a test?FWIW Wickes Lumber is named in an asbestos suit:http://www.belluckfox.com/mesothelioma/company_list_asbestos_use.html I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

      1. User avater
        Soultrain | Aug 15, 2006 09:34pm | #14

        I'd be suprised if there was a company in existence that wasn't named in an asbestos suit

      2. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 10:08pm | #18

        I came across that site searching yesterday. Seemed more adversarial and less informative. I've handled plenty of loose friable asbestos in my career. I know there are several different kinds, but this does not look or feel like any I have seen before. It is more like a cross between Rock wool, and fibreglaas, as I have known them to exist.cost is a net zero no matter what the price is, if it protects somebody from harm. Maybe the highest standard of due diligence calls for me to just send it off. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. Snort | Aug 15, 2006 11:57pm | #20

          <Maybe the highest standard of due diligence calls for me to just send it off.>I figgured you'd end up there<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

          1. User avater
            RRooster | Aug 16, 2006 04:47am | #21

            Here it costs $35 for a test and you get the results back in 24 hrs.

            I just recently sent in two, came back negative, but I feel better about it.

            Over 1% asbestos is considered a hazard in the US; 5% in Canada; no standard in Mexico.  That is why products are still mfgr. using asbestos.

            Peace of mind for $35; cheap. 

            http://grungefm.com

             

    2. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 09:43pm | #16

      Sure, lay it on him. I assume that as a company rep, he might be close mouthed if it is asbestos, so tell him this is non-adversarial for info only, just to protect my guys and future occupants - we xcan have it properly sucked out if need be. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. cameraman | Aug 15, 2006 09:59pm | #17

        I have already sent him an e-mail and attachhed your post and photos. Let's see what happens.

        I am suprised that this product made it to the east coast.

        I am located in Davison, MI. the headquaters of Fernco & Genova products.

        1. Piffin | Aug 15, 2006 10:10pm | #19

          Yeah, the only wickes I knew of were out west, but marketing is like politics - makes for strange bedfellows. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  6. Southbay | Aug 16, 2006 08:16am | #22

    Looks like 'rock wool', usually a non-asbestos material.
    You can send me a sample for analysis in my New York State approved lab. Usual cost is $15. - $20. But I'll run it for free for you. Send a small sample, like the one in the photo. Please use a zip-lock sandwich bag. I'm a NYS certified Asbestos Inspector.

    Bart Gallagher
    Enviroscience Consultants, Inc.
    2150 Smithtown Avenue
    Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
    (631) 580-3191

    1. Piffin | Aug 16, 2006 04:43pm | #23

      I'll send it out today
      with a check
      Thanks 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. Piffin | Aug 24, 2006 12:22am | #32

      Thanks for that report you called with.
      I'll be looking for the paper version for records.For everyone else, it was rock wool only and not asbestos. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  7. pindr | Aug 17, 2006 01:54am | #27

    I just sucked what seems to be basically the same stuff out my attic.  The effect on your lungs is basically the same as asbestos.  It is mineral and your immune system cannot break it down.  It may not drill it's way to our pleural membrane in the same way, but protection is essential.  A respirator rated for asbestos is needed plus a suit to keep it out of your clothes.  It breaks into very fine particles like asbestos and will go right through the average respirator cartridge. 

    It sucks out pretty nicely with a healthy dust collection system. A system with 4" line reduced down to 3 is adequate.  I sucked it right into large garbage bags and off to the dump. 

    The biggest difference is the legal issues aren't there yet with rock wool.

    All the best!

    1. cameraman | Aug 17, 2006 02:55pm | #28

      Piffin,

      He is the reply from the Wickes Lumber manager:

      Hey Fast Fred,I started with Wickes back in 1971 and barely remember this product. But, to the best of my recollection there was no asbestos in this product....at least the product we handled in Michigan. If the product came from the same manufacturer or a manufacturer out east, I wouldn't know. Best bet is to have it tested for the safety of all parties concerned.Rich

      Seem like you are doing the right thing.

       

    2. rjw3 | Aug 17, 2006 08:47pm | #30

      As a home inspector, i try to stay current so I can advise my clients accurately.

      Are you aware of any studies or other sources which support your view that rock wool will havethe same effects as asbestos?

      My understanding (which might be inaccurate) is that particle size is  a key element of the dangers of asbestos

      1. pindr | Aug 24, 2006 12:02am | #31

        Sorry, to take so long in the response re: effects of rock wool versus asbestos.  Particle size will effect how much of the mineral dust will enter the air stream and the ease at which it will get into your lungs.  I don't have any studies at hand to quote or provide you with.  What I do have is experience with both.  In working with rock wool I found particles coming through an AO Safety's respirator filters even though there was no visible particulate in the air.  It tore up my lungs pretty bad.  After the incident I discovered the filters were not rated for asbestos or fine particlate dust.  So i know the particle size for rock wool is small enough to get into your lungs and all but the best filters.  Asbestos may break done into even smaller particles, rock wool is small enough to be insidious and damaging.

        Many studies have been done on Silicosis that developed from people who mined rock.  Similar in etiology to asbestosis.  Rock wool may not cause mesothelioma.  The structure and shape of the particles may be different and not migrate through the lung tissue in the same way.  So all I have to offer is common sense and experience that tell me precautions are needed.

    3. Piffin | Aug 24, 2006 12:25am | #33

      Thank you for all that too. If I get this job, I'll habve some special procedures set up for the guys. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Big Doors Have Big Challenges

Engineered materials and vacuum-press laminations prevent warping and keep a tall, flush-panel door from being excessively heavy.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data