Attic Insulation That Looks Like Dirt

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Attic insulation that looks like dirt. Almost looked like the shredded wood you put in flower beds anybody seen this before d see picture in second post below. The more insulation the better. If the dirt was inpregnated in the actual insulation so that it was acting like a filter then that would indicated air movement from one side of the insulation to the other. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.

I did an inspection today and in the attic under the newer fiberglass insulation was a redish insulation only a few inches thick it looked like it had wood fibers and fiberglass in it. A layer of dust or dirt on top of your insualtion would be quite normal in a vented attic. If you have loose fill insulation that is gray soft and without a shine it is probably cellulose insulation. The dirt is harmless in my opinion so i would not worry about it.

This is a toughy because the appearance of dirt is very much in the eye of the beholder. In an attic of a 40 s built home. In the attic photograph at left we show a mix of green gray and white attic mold. Just do not block the eaves with any new or old insulation.

The photo at page top shows white attic mold on the roof sheathing and rafters and some brown or black mold on the attic side of ceiling drywall where we pulled back insulation. Attic insulation looks like dirt. Reroofing causes a lot of banging and vibration which loosens a lot of dirt which then falls on the insulation. Place a magnifying glass close to the insulation to observe dirt particles or mold spores that might be forming on your insulation sheets.

Box out light fixtures. I have never seen this type of material before. In general it looks like shredded gray paper. It was a white powdery material that had the consistency of flour.

Unless you re using mineral wool insulation or your fixtures are rated safe for contact with any type of insulation don t allow the material to touch or cover recessed cans or. I am guessing that it contains asbestos. Cellulose insulation is a perfectly safe type of insulation that is commonly blown into attics. You could have vermiculite see kitty litter below or you could have dirt trails caused by invasive pests.

On 2020 06 23 by lisa i m looking at a 1930s house that the inspection report listed as having loose fill fiberglass insulation in the attic however the photo of the insulation in the attic doesn t look like fiberglass to me. Take note of any brown black green pink orange or yellow particles. Insulation sheets are a solid color such as white which will make the dirt and mold easy to spot. You can add a clean layer if you like.

Almost looks like dry mix drywall mud. Quote trent tarter 134643 i found this stuff insulation.