Safe, Certified, Complete Asbestos Insulation Removal
Protect your family from potentially hazardous insulation with Wisconsin's certified asbestos removal experts. All team members are certified asbestos supervisors with full licensing and insurance.
Why Choose Umbrella Environmental?
- State-Certified Asbestos Specialists – All employees are certified asbestos supervisors, not just workers
- Complete Containment & Disposal – Proper extraction, sealed containment, and disposal at certified landfills
- Fast Turnaround – Most residential projects completed in 1-2 days
- Transparent Pricing – Upfront estimates with no hidden fees
- Insurance Assistance – We work directly with insurance adjusters using industry-standard Exactimate software
What is Vermiculite Insulation?
Vermiculite insulation was widely used in homes from the 1920s through the early 1980s. While vermiculite itself isn't necessarily dangerous, much of it was contaminated with asbestos during manufacturing—particularly the popular Zonolite brand mined in Libby, Montana. In Wisconsin, vermiculite insulation is assumed to contain asbestos and must be handled accordingly.
Our vermiculite removal service provides complete, safe extraction of this potentially hazardous material from your attic or walls. We follow all state regulations, use professional-grade equipment, and ensure proper disposal at certified asbestos landfills. From initial inspection to final cleanup, we handle every step so you can have peace of mind.
Why Vermiculite Can Be Dangerous
What Does Vermiculite Look Like?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. It was popular as insulation because it's lightweight, fire-resistant, and inexpensive. It appears as gray or silver metallic granules—ranging from the size of cat litter to popcorn—and sometimes reflects light when you shine a flashlight on it.
The Asbestos Connection
Much of the vermiculite insulation installed in U.S. homes came from a mine in Libby, Montana, which was contaminated with asbestos. While not all vermiculite contains asbestos, Wisconsin law treats all vermiculite as presumed asbestos-containing material due to the risk.
Health Risks
Disturbing vermiculite insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing these fibers over time can lead to serious health conditions including:
- Asbestosis (lung scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)
When to Take Action
If you have vermiculite in your attic, it's generally safe as long as it's left undisturbed. However, you should consider professional removal if:
- You're planning a renovation or roof repair
- The ceiling has been damaged (water leak, collapse)
- You want to sell your home
- You need to access the attic frequently
- The insulation has been disturbed
- You're concerned about long-term exposure
How Do I Know If I Have Vermiculite?
Most homeowners discover vermiculite when:
- A contractor (roofer, HVAC technician, or mold inspector) spots it during a service call
- They see gray, silver, or reflective granules in their attic
- They find old insulation bags left in the attic labeled "Zonolite," "asbestos insulation," or "vermiculite insulation"
Visual Identification:
- Gray or silver metallic granules
- Size ranges from cat litter to popcorn kernels
- NOT fiberglass (which is pink, yellow, or white)
- May reflect light when illuminated from certain angles
Not sure if you have vermiculite? Send us photos and we can usually confirm if it's vermiculite just by looking at it. Or, schedule a free inspection*—we'll climb into your attic and provide a professional assessment.
*Free inspection is within a specific driving radius of our office. There may be a charge for us to come out and inspect if you are outside that radius. Typically those outside our “free inspection” radius send us pictures of the suspected material and we can typically verify if it is vermiculite or not. Again there may be a service charge for onsite inspection outside of our immediate service area. Please contact us to find out if you would fall outside of our “free inspection” zone.
Our Vermiculite Removal Process
Step 1: Initial Assessment & Inspection
We start with a comprehensive attic inspection:
- Visual confirmation that the material is vermiculite
- Photograph documentation
- Measure attic dimensions and assess depth of vermiculite
- Identify obstacles (ductwork, TV antennas, narrow access points)
- Check for improper ventilation or other hazards (mold, etc.)
- Determine if other insulation is present (which would also be considered contaminated)
- Provide a written estimate
Step 2: Project Planning & Permitting
- File required notifications with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and/or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for commercial projects or other required government agencies
- Schedule work and coordinate dumpster delivery
- Alert certified landfill 24 hours in advance
Step 3: Site Preparation
When our crew arrives:
- Lay down floor protection where necessary
- Set up containment chamber around attic access
- Post caution tape and Occupant Protection Plan notices
- Utilize PPE (fit-tested respirators and Tyvek suits)
Step 4: Safe Extraction
- Position gas-powered extractor (stays outside the home)
- Run 6-inch plastic tubes from attic through window or door to lined dumpster
- Vacuum vermiculite directly into large, heavy-duty sealed bags in the dumpster
- Hand-bag any batt insulation or other contaminated materials that can't be vacuumed
- Work methodically to ensure complete removal
Step 5: Thorough Cleanup
- HEPA vacuum all exposed surfaces (trusses, joists, any areas where vermiculite was present)
- Remove and properly dispose of PPE within containment area
- Seal all bags in the dumpster
- Cover dumpster with plastic layer, essentially creating a "giant sealed bag"
Step 6: Air Quality Testing (Optional)
- Recommended for all projects (but optional for single-family homeowners)
- Required for rental properties, commercial buildings, and schools
- Can also perform tape sampling on horizontal surfaces if needed
Step 7: Final Documentation & Disposal
- Transport lined dumpster to certified asbestos landfill (materials are buried)
- Provide waste manifest documenting proper disposal
- Supply copy of invoice and zero-balance statement upon full payment
- Lien waiver available upon request
What Makes Us Different
Higher Certification Standards
Unlike many competitors who employ basic "certified asbestos workers," all of our employees are certified asbestos supervisors—the next level up. This means each team member is qualified to independently manage a job site, ensuring the highest level of expertise on every project with additional State training.
Comprehensive Service
We don't just remove vermiculite—we can also:
- Coordinate or provide blown-in insulation replacement (R-49 or higher to current Wisconsin Building Code)
- Seal air gaps and install baffles for optimal energy efficiency
- Cover non UL-rated can lights to prevent fire hazards
- Work with insurance companies and adjusters
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
Every job is unique, so we provide custom estimates after inspecting your specific situation. We consider:
- Square footage and attic dimensions
- Depth and amount of vermiculite
- Presence of other contaminated insulation
- Access challenges and obstacles
- Any additional required work
There are no surprise charges—any additional costs (like discovering a hidden area after insulation removal) are discussed and approved at the time of discovery and you, the customer, can decide how to proceed.
Background-Checked, Trustworthy Team
- All employees undergo background checks. While we take every precaution to protect your property and contents, we recommend securing valuables so there's never any question about accountability.
Guaranteed Workmanship
- If we miss a spot within the original scope of work, we'll return and take care of it at no additional charge.
Certifications, Licensing & Safety
State Licensing & Compliance
- Licensed asbestos abatement company in Wisconsin
- All employees certified as asbestos supervisors (not just workers)
- File project notifications with Wisconsin DHS (and DNR for commercial projects)
- Comply with all state and federal regulations for asbestos handling and disposal
Safety Protocols for Your Home
- Caution tape around work area
- Posted Occupant Protection Plan before entering containment
- "Do Not Enter" signage
- Containment chamber prevents contamination of living spaces
- Most noise occurs outside (gas-powered extractor)
Safety Protocols for Our Team
- Fit-tested respirators ensuring proper seal
- Full Tyvek suits removed before leaving containment
- Proper PPE prevents exposure
- Regular safety training and updates
Proper Disposal
- All vermiculite transported to certified asbestos landfills only
- Waste manifest tracking from job site to burial
- 24-hour advance notice to landfill for proper site preparation
- Materials are buried securely
Project Timeline & What to Expect
How Long Does Removal Take?
Most residential projects take 1-2 days. Larger attics or projects requiring hand-bagging of batt insulation can take 3-4 days.
Need New Insulation Too?
If you also want new insulation blown in, that typically adds another half-day to one day (plus prep work for air sealing, baffles, and can light covers).
Homeowner Preparation Checklist
Before we arrive, please:
- Clear the attic access area
- Remove any valuables from the attic
- Secure pets (we'll have doors/windows open during extraction)
- Clear the driveway for dumpster placement
- Ensure the path from attic to door/window is clear for hoses
- If during the winter, please remove snow and ensure that all ice is removed to eliminate fall hazards
Can I Stay Home During Removal?
Yes, you can stay in the home. We ask that you don't enter our containment area or work zone. Most of the noise (from the gas-powered extractor) occurs outside. If you work from home, you may find it more comfortable to work elsewhere for the day.
Pricing & Insurance
How Much Does Vermiculite Removal Cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your attic, the depth of vermiculite, access challenges, and whether other insulation needs removal. For a typical residential home (~1,800 square feet), most projects range from $3,500 to $7,500. Small jobs have a $650 minimum fee. However, projects costs do vary.
We provide detailed written estimates after inspecting your specific situation. No two projects are the same, so we quote by the job—not by square footage—to ensure accurate pricing.
Will Insurance Cover This?
If vermiculite removal is part of a larger insurance claim (water damage, fire damage, mold), it may be covered. If you simply want to remove it electively, it's typically not covered.
We work directly with insurance adjusters and can write estimates in the format they require using Exactimate software—the industry standard.
Financial Assistance Available
The Zonolite Trust (ZAITrust.com) is a federal program that may reimburse up to 55% of vermiculite removal costs if your insulation is confirmed to be Zonolite brand. Approval and reimbursement amounts vary.
Scheduling
Most projects can be scheduled within two weeks. Contact us early to secure your preferred dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Professional Vermiculite Removal
Peace of Mind
Knowing that a potentially hazardous material has been safely and professionally removed from your home provides invaluable peace of mind. You can confidently declare your home is vermiculite-free when selling.
Improved Air Quality
Once vermiculite is removed—especially from wall cavities or ductwork—it can no longer circulate through your ventilation system into living spaces. Your attic is also safer and cleaner.
Energy Efficiency
When we remove old vermiculite and install new blown-in insulation to current Wisconsin building code (R-49 or higher), your home becomes significantly more energy efficient. Modern insulation provides:
- Thicker R-value for better temperature control
- Properly sealed air gaps to prevent drafts
- Improved attic ventilation with baffles
- Upgraded can light covers for fire safety (If needed to make UL compliant and included in quote)
Some customers choose R-60 insulation (22-23 inches of blown-in fiberglass) for even greater efficiency.
Proper Documentation
You'll receive complete documentation of the removal and disposal process, including:
- Copy of your contract
- Project information and completion certificate
- Waste manifest (upon request)
- Invoice and zero-balance statement
- Lien waiver (upon request)
This documentation is valuable for home sales, insurance records, and your peace of mind.
Ready to Get Started?
If you suspect you have vermiculite insulation—or if a contractor has already identified it—don't wait. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can have peace of mind.
What Happens Next:
- Free Inspection* – We'll visit your property, inspect your attic, and confirm whether you have vermiculite
- Written Estimate – You'll receive a detailed, upfront estimate with no hidden fees
- Scheduling – Most projects can be scheduled within two weeks
- Professional Removal – Our certified team handles everything from setup to disposal
- Documentation – You'll receive all required documentation, including waste manifest
*Free inspection is within a specific driving radius of our office. There may be a charge for us to come out and inspect if you are outside that radius. Typically those outside our “free inspection” radius send us pictures of the suspected material and we can typically verify if it is vermiculite or not. Again there may be a service charge for onsite inspection outside of our immediate service area. Please contact us to find out if you would fall outside of our “free inspection” zone.
