Have you ever lived in an old home that needed insulation renovations due to asbestos? Asbestos is an outdated insulation product that has been banned for future use due to health concerns. Find out what modern manufacturers and builders are using in place of this old material in this list of the safest asbestos insulation substitutes.
Why Not Asbestos?
Asbestos materials are outdated for many reasons. Several studies have found that exposure to asbestos may result in negative health effects. Asbestos is a dangerous product, and the amount of exposure you have to the material can greatly increase your chances of developing asbestos-related diseases. Some of the conditions linked to exposure to asbestos include asbestosis (or lung scarring), pleural disease, and certain cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. This is why it’s so important to use non-asbestos materials.
Asbestos Substitutes
Due to the dangers of asbestos materials, most modern manufacturers and contractors avoid the product altogether. Instead, they use suitable and safe replacements for asbestos fibers.
Cellulose Fibers
Asbestos materials are not the only types of heat-resistant fibers. Cellulose fibers are some of the most popular asbestos alternatives due to their fire resistance and flame-retardant properties. Another benefit of these fibers over asbestos is that they’re much more sustainable. The raw materials behind cellulose fibers include shredded and treated newspapers, which are highly recyclable.
Polyurethane Foam
In terms of insulating materials, polyurethane foams are some of the best alternatives to asbestos on the market. Spray foam insulation is also a great heat-resistant option, saving home- and business-owners an average of 30 percent on energy bills. Being water based, these foam products can get into tight corners and seal even the smallest cracks in roofing, siding, and other areas of the home that might let heat escape. Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular insulation options on the market due to these effective properties.
Thermoset Plastic Flour
Thermoset plastic flour not only provides excellent insulation to heat but also insulates against cold and sound as well. Thermoset materials have superior heat resistance as well as resistance to smoke, corrosion, and wear and tear, among other conditions. Like polyurethane foam, thermoset plastic flours will also provide you with a great energy value for your installation costs.
Now that modern manufacturers are making the move away from asbestos products, we’re discovering more and more useful alternatives. These are some of the safest asbestos insulation substitutes that you can choose for your home or office insulation project. Your space will be much safer, and you’ll have added energy-efficient benefits as well.
