Two major concerns of the existing or prospective homeowner are energy efficiency and freedom from potentially harmful substances.  Continental Insulation provides key services to the homeowner in the form of polyurethane spray foam insulation and asbestos removal.

Spray Foam Insulation

Follow link at right for answers to the most commonly asked questions about polyurethane spray foam insulation.

Asbestos Remediation

Any home constructed before 1980 has the potential for asbestos containing materials to be present.  The most common forms of asbestos in homes are:

•         Attic Vermiculite

•         Hot water heating pipe insulation

•         Floor Tiles

•         Ceiling Tiles

•         Exterior Siding

•         Anti-Sweat Paper on Supply Air Ductwork

•         Around Ductwork Floor Penetrations

The risk associated with each of these materials will vary dramatically.  The key factors contributing to risk are:

•         Location of material and potential for impact/disturbance

•         Condition of Material

•         Friability of Material – How easily can it be made into airborne particles/dust?

Attic Vermiculite

A recent class-action lawsuit in Canada and the USA against a manufacturer of attic vermiculite insulation has created a groundswell of hysteria among homeowners across North America.  The lawsuit settled in early 2010  - details here.  The class-action provided homeowners the opportunity to participate in a major legal undertaking against a now-bankrupt manufacturer.  The back-story can be found here

Although details are unconfirmed, participant plaintiffs (homeowners) are to receive approximately $600 as compensation for being sold an asbestos-containing material.

There are a couple of things to note about this:

• Some reports allege that almost half of the $8 million allotted to Canadian plaintiffs will go toward legal fees

• Actual removal cost for an attic containing vermiculite can range from $10-$15 per square foot – so for a 1,000 square foot attic, the cost can be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000!

• There are no government programs to date that offer grants or rebates for removal of asbestos in homes

• Attics tested in the Sudbury area have typically shown asbestos content somewhere between zero (yes, many attics with vermiculite do not contain asbestos) and 0.7%.  Ontario's threshold for asbestos content is 0.5%.

So what is the risk?  For commentary from a number of sources, go here

There are plenty of online resources, commentaries and opinions to gather to form your own knowledge base.  In general, you need to know the following:

• Asbestos is proven to be dangerous and, in certain instances, fatal to people if disturbed and inhaled in quantity

• Reducing exposure reduces risk

• Removing asbestos is something that can be very costly because the training, precautions and effort required to safely remove asbestos are very significant

• Do-it-yourself asbestos removal in your own home is perfectly legal, though not recommended