If your home was built before 1990, there’s a chance your attic insulation could be outdated or even hazardous. One of the biggest concerns in older Massachusetts homes is vermiculite insulation, which may contain asbestos and pose serious health risks if disturbed.
Whether you’re dealing with drafty rooms, high energy bills, or planning home upgrades, it’s worth finding out what kind of insulation is in your attic and whether it’s time to replace it with something safer and more efficient.
What Is Vermiculite Insulation?
Vermiculite is a loose-fill insulation that looks like grayish-gold granules. It was widely used in attics throughout the mid-20th century for its lightweight, fire-resistant properties.
The problem? Much of the vermiculite installed before 1990 may be contaminated with asbestos, a dangerous mineral that can cause long-term health issues if the fibers become airborne.
If you suspect your attic insulation might be vermiculite, do not touch or disturb it.
Other Hazardous Types of Attic Insulation to Look out For
Asbestos-Based Insulation
Risk: Asbestos is a known carcinogen; exposure can lead to serious respiratory illness.
Where it’s found: Wrapped around pipes, ducts, boilers, and sometimes blown into walls or attics
What to do: Professional testing and removal is essential. Never attempt to handle it yourself.
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)
Risk: Formaldehyde off-gassing, which can irritate lungs and has been linked to cancer
Where it’s found: In the walls and attics of homes retrofitted from the 1930s to the early 1980s
What to do: Air quality testing and sealing or replacing with safer materials (recommended)
Old or Damaged Fiberglass
Risk: Can irritate eyes, lungs, and skin if exposed or improperly installed. Older fiberglass may also lose effectiveness over time.
Where it’s found: Most commonly in homes built after the 1950s
What to do: Replace with new, professionally installed insulation for improved safety and comfort.
Should I Have My Old Attic Insulation Replaced?
Many Massachusetts homes still rely on insulation installed decades ago, and families often spend years in their homes without realizing the potential health risks, not to mention the wasted energy (and money) on heating and cooling their home. Beyond the safety concerns, old insulation is often:
Inefficient, letting heat escape in winter and cool air out in summer
Prone to moisture damage and mold
A source of indoor air quality issues
The Good News: You Could Save 75–100% on Attic Insulation Upgrades
Thanks to the Sponsors of Mass Save®, eligible Massachusetts residents have access to:
A no-cost Home Energy Assessment
75–100% off approved insulation upgrades
100% off air sealing
- Health and safety check
- Guidance on safer, more efficient insulation options
- No-cost energy-saving items like smart thermostats, advanced power strips, and faucet aerators
At HomeWorks Energy, we make it simple. We’ll inspect your attic insulation, identify potential hazards like vermiculite, and walk you through next steps—at no cost to you.
How Can I Find out More About My Home's Insulation?
Not sure what’s in your attic? Let a pro take a look at no cost to you. We’ve helped thousands of Massachusetts residents upgrade their homes for safety, comfort, and savings.
A no-cost Home Energy Assessment is your first step to understanding how your home uses (and loses) energy, which means we take a close look at your wall and attic insulation. One of our Home Energy Specialists will inspect your home, evaluate overall energy performance, and look for health and safety risks like vermiculite, combustion and carbon monoxide issues, mold, and more. You’ll get a custom report with upgrade recommendations, and if insulation work is needed, we’ll guide you through next steps according to the Mass Save benefits you qualify for.
👉 Schedule your no-cost Home Energy Assessment today or call us at 781-305-3319.
