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what is balsam wool insulation

by Mr. Cody Zieme Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Balsam Wool is windproof, water-proof, fire-resistant, sanitary and durable." Notes. "Balsam Wool" is a wood product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes in the U.S. in the 1940's and earlier. It is probably treated with borax as a fire retardant. It does not contain asbestos.

Who makes balsam wool insulation?

Wood Conversion was the assignee of a variety of patents describing the production of balsam wool and other wood fiber (and even animal hair) insulation products. The wood product insulating batts shown in these photos was produced by Weyerhaeuser corporation.

Is Balsam wool insect resistant?

Balsam wool, depending on the wood species used to produce it, may be naturally insect resistant (Balsam) as are cedar, cypress, and some other wood products. It might have been treated with a fire retardant, I don't yet know (am researching the question).

What is blackweld wool fiber/cellulose insulation?

BLACKWELD WOOL FIBER / CELLULOSE INSULATION? "Balsam Wool" is a wood fiber product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes and in a variety of other applications in the U.S. from at least the 1930's.

How can you tell the difference between asbestos and balsam wool?

Matt most forensic labs can identify different types of insulation; but there is little or no physical resemblance between balsam wool and asbestos, nor was asbestos used as a brown fiber enclosed in batts, nor does asbestos resemble long woody fibers. Take a look at the insulation; Balsm wool is usually pretty easy to identify by eye.

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What is Balsam wool insulation made of?

Balsam wool insulating blanket used wood fibers from tree bark, wood pulp, or other lumber byproducts. As such it is a wood or cellulose product and not an asbestos-containing material.

Is Balsam wool safe?

Balsam Wool insulation is a perfectly acceptable insulating material as long as it's in place and intact.

Is wool insulation better than cellulose?

Mineral wool is a more permanent insulation material because it does not deteriorate and is made of inorganic matter (rocks and steel byproducts). Conversely, cellulose will deteriorate over time because it is made of organic matter (paper and wood byproducts).

What type of insulation was used in 1960?

While fiberglass and cellulose rose to popularity some years apart from each other, they were the mainstay of insulation during the 1960s and onward (thanks to the fall of asbestos).

Does wool insulation contain asbestos?

Rock wool (or slag wool or mineral wool insulation) is not an asbestos material.

Was asbestos used in attic insulation?

Zonolite is a type of loose-fill insulation made of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite, and it was installed as attic insulation in millions of American homes. Unlike many other insulation products of the time, Zonolite was never actually intended to contain asbestos.

Which house insulation is best?

Overall, if you are looking for the best long-term solution, foam insulation products will create the air seal in your home that will make it more comfortable while saving you money on your monthly energy bills. Foam insulation doesn't settle or sag and it fills all the nooks and crannies where it is installed.

What is the most efficient insulation?

Spray foam insulationSpray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient insulation to create an air barrier in the attic. Certain spray foams can expand up to 100 times its original size, so it fills all of the nooks and crannies in the attic.

Which is best insulation for walls?

The best insulation for walls when it comes to new build homes or remodels is going to be Nu-Wool, foam board, or open cell spray foam....Cons:Open cell spray foam is an expensive option for insulation.Spray foam can't be installed as a DIY project.Some brands of spray foam have an odor when installed.

What is the cheapest way to insulate an old house?

You can simply use a foil for insulation as a cost-effective alternative. By stapling the foil sheets to your attic, the heat reflects down into your living space. Hence, it lowers your heating costs. Attic Insulation Installation Services in Lincolnwood provide satisfactory assistance and properly insulates your home.

How do I know if there is asbestos in my insulation?

Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. It is installed by pouring it into the desired location. Insulators also refer to it as “loose-fill” and “blown-in” insulation. Colors to look out for in these pebbles are grayish, brown, or silvery gold.

What kind of insulation did they use in 1950?

Usually, mineral wool, vermiculite, asbestos and fiberglass were used as wall insulation in the early 1950s.

Is Rockwool good for insulation?

Rockwool is a highly durable insulation option. The impressive water-resistance, mold-resistance, mildew-resistance, and fire-resistance also contribute to the durability and capability of Rockwool insulation.

What is vermiculite insulation?

Vermiculite in insulation is a pebble-like, blown-in product and usually light-brown or gold in color. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very fine particles to large (coarse) pieces nearly an inch long. If you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, you should assume that the material may contain asbestos.

Is cellulose an insulation?

Cellulose is a fiber insulation used in enclosed existing walls, open new walls, and unfinished attic floors. Several companies manufacture cellulose insulation, and it is primarily made from recycled newsprint.

When was balsam wool insulation installed?

What type of tape will stick to the insulation or is there another material that can be used. Otherwise the insulation which was installed around 1978 is in good shape.

What is balsam wool?

Kevin the article BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION opens with#N#"Balsam Wool" is a wood fiber product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes and in a variety of other applications in the U.S. from at least the 1930's.

What type of paper is used for fiberglass batts?

The paper used with fiberglass insulation is often just that, paper. The two common varities of facing for fiberglass batts are aluminum-foil faced paper or kraft paper that is more brown or tan in color. Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive.

What color are batts?

The batts have a plain light brown, thin paper front and solid black, thicker paper back. There are no markings/brands/labels of any kind. The side seam is black. The insulation is heavier than fiberglass and clumped and just falls right out, since the paper is now brittle. It is a tan color and short fibers.

Is balsam wool insulation easy to recognize?

Thanks for the added comment, Balsam. It's helpful to our readers. I agree that Balsam wool insulation is rather easy to recognize, as shown in the photos in the article BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION

Is balsam wool asbestos?

Balsam wool is a wood product, not asbestos. I think your balsam wool insulation, enclosed in a foil facing or reflective liner / barrier, is a Weyerhauser product. The product imprint includes "Reflective Liner Blanket Insulation and Double-Thick".

Is balsam wool insulation good?

Robin#N#What is the concern here? Balsam Wool insulation is a perfectly acceptable insulating material as long as it's in place and intact. Any insulation that is ripped, fallen, torn, dirty, or "missing" is of course something worth correcting.

When was balsam wool insulation installed?from inspectapedia.com

What type of tape will stick to the insulation or is there another material that can be used. Otherwise the insulation which was installed around 1978 is in good shape.

What is balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

"Balsam Wool" is a wood fiber product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes and in a variety of other applications in the U.S. from at least the 1930's. Synonyms for balsam wool insulation include wood fiber insulation, wood insulation, wood-wool insulation, and blackweld or blackwell insulation.

What is Kimsul insulation?from inspectapedia.com

Kimsul was produced in reflective-faced batts which, if spread apart, showed what look like soft, brown, accordion-pleated crepe paper. The company described Kimsul insulation with its reflective "vaporseal" as resisting radiant heat loss as well as providing insulation value in ceilings and walls.

What insulation is used in the video?from inspectapedia.com

The insulation in the video shown by the link you provided (and excerpted here in stills) is most likely fiberglass batts or perhaps a mix of fiberglass batts and chopped (or damaged) fiberglass, or possibly fiberglass batts along with some older mineral wool or rock wool.

What type of paper is used for fiberglass batts?from inspectapedia.com

The paper used with fiberglass insulation is often just that, paper. The two common varities of facing for fiberglass batts are aluminum-foil faced paper or kraft paper that is more brown or tan in color. Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive.

What is the R value of balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

We estimate that balsam wool has an R value of about 2 to 3.5 in loose fill and about 2 to 3.25 in batts.

Why is balsam wool removed?from inspectapedia.com

Thought you'd appreciate these instructions for Balsam Wool. We've been removing it because we have limited space for fiberglass, and the packaging is displacing too much space. The balsam inside has disintegrated and packed, thus not too useful. - D.G. 3/10/2014

Should I remove balsam wool insulation?

Balsam Wool is perfectly safe and does not contain asbestos. You can leave it or, if you decide to remove, try to do it in such a way so as to not tear the paper, it'll be a much cleaner removal.

Does mineral wool insulation have asbestos?

Contrary to popular belief, mineral wool is not known to contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber, whereas, mineral wools are man-made. Therefore, unless mineral wool is mixed with other naturally occurring fibers, you have no need to worry.

Does old rock wool insulation contain asbestos?

In 1988, the company added wrapped pipe insulation to its product line. Rock Wool still makes products for residential, industrial and commercial buildings as well as marine applications, none of which contains asbestos.

Is rock wool the same as asbestos?

Rock wool (RW) is a kind of asbestos substitute and is widely used in the construction industry, in particular for fire-resisting insulation, thermal insulation, and acoustic absorption.

Is Rockwool cancerous?

The EPA has classified refractory ceramic fibers as probable human carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined glass filaments, glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool to not be classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

Is Kimsul insulation asbestos?

They're considered natural products and also are not known to contain asbestos. Kimsul, looks like layered creped paper and is impregnated with asphalt. It is not known to contain asbestos. It was manufactured from the early-mid 1930s through the early 1950s.

What is Kimsul insulation made of?

Kimsul Crepe-paper-like Insulation. Kimsul™, produced by Kimberly Clark, in Neenah Wisconsin in the U.S., is an older insulating material used from about 1930 into at least the 1950's and that has been described by some building history sources as a creped paper insulating material that was impregnated by asphalt.

When was balsam wool insulation installed?from inspectapedia.com

What type of tape will stick to the insulation or is there another material that can be used. Otherwise the insulation which was installed around 1978 is in good shape.

What is balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

It is Balsam Wool. This is typically a tan/reddish brown fiber that is similar to sawdust. The fibers came from various wood species such as redwood, fir (Balsam), cedar and usually consisted of the tree bark, wood pulp and other wood byproducts. The product was produced from the 1920’s to the middle of the century.

What is Kimsul insulation?from inspectapedia.com

Kimsul was produced in reflective-faced batts which, if spread apart, showed what look like soft, brown, accordion-pleated crepe paper. The company described Kimsul insulation with its reflective "vaporseal" as resisting radiant heat loss as well as providing insulation value in ceilings and walls.

What insulation is used in the video?from inspectapedia.com

The insulation in the video shown by the link you provided (and excerpted here in stills) is most likely fiberglass batts or perhaps a mix of fiberglass batts and chopped (or damaged) fiberglass, or possibly fiberglass batts along with some older mineral wool or rock wool.

What type of paper is used for fiberglass batts?from inspectapedia.com

The paper used with fiberglass insulation is often just that, paper. The two common varities of facing for fiberglass batts are aluminum-foil faced paper or kraft paper that is more brown or tan in color. Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive.

What is the R value of balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

We estimate that balsam wool has an R value of about 2 to 3.5 in loose fill and about 2 to 3.25 in batts.

Why is balsam wool removed?from inspectapedia.com

Thought you'd appreciate these instructions for Balsam Wool. We've been removing it because we have limited space for fiberglass, and the packaging is displacing too much space. The balsam inside has disintegrated and packed, thus not too useful. - D.G. 3/10/2014

When was balsam wool insulation installed?from inspectapedia.com

What type of tape will stick to the insulation or is there another material that can be used. Otherwise the insulation which was installed around 1978 is in good shape.

What is balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

Kevin the article BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION opens with#N#"Balsam Wool" is a wood fiber product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes and in a variety of other applications in the U.S. from at least the 1930's.

What type of paper is used for fiberglass batts?from inspectapedia.com

The paper used with fiberglass insulation is often just that, paper. The two common varities of facing for fiberglass batts are aluminum-foil faced paper or kraft paper that is more brown or tan in color. Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive.

What color are batts?from inspectapedia.com

The batts have a plain light brown, thin paper front and solid black, thicker paper back. There are no markings/brands/labels of any kind. The side seam is black. The insulation is heavier than fiberglass and clumped and just falls right out, since the paper is now brittle. It is a tan color and short fibers.

Is balsam wool insulation easy to recognize?from inspectapedia.com

Thanks for the added comment, Balsam. It's helpful to our readers. I agree that Balsam wool insulation is rather easy to recognize, as shown in the photos in the article BALSAM WOOL BATT INSULATION

Is balsam wool asbestos?from inspectapedia.com

Balsam wool is a wood product, not asbestos. I think your balsam wool insulation, enclosed in a foil facing or reflective liner / barrier, is a Weyerhauser product. The product imprint includes "Reflective Liner Blanket Insulation and Double-Thick".

Is fiberglass bonded to asbestos?from inspectapedia.com

Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive. It would be a surprise to find fiberglass insulation bonded to an asbestos facing but who knows - someone might have produced such a product . Start by noting the age of the construction.

When was balsam wool insulation installed?from inspectapedia.com

What type of tape will stick to the insulation or is there another material that can be used. Otherwise the insulation which was installed around 1978 is in good shape.

What is the synonym for balsam wool insulation?from inspectapedia.com

Synonyms for balsam wool insulation include wood fiber insulation, wood insulation, wood-wool insulation, and blackweld or blackwell insulation. Our Balsam-Wool insulation photo (above left) includes a Weyerhaeuser Forest Products logo in the bottom of the red diamond. [Click to enlarge any image]

What is Kimsul insulation?from inspectapedia.com

Kimsul was produced in reflective-faced batts which, if spread apart, showed what look like soft, brown, accordion-pleated crepe paper. The company described Kimsul insulation with its reflective "vaporseal" as resisting radiant heat loss as well as providing insulation value in ceilings and walls.

What insulation is used in the video?from inspectapedia.com

The insulation in the video shown by the link you provided (and excerpted here in stills) is most likely fiberglass batts or perhaps a mix of fiberglass batts and chopped (or damaged) fiberglass, or possibly fiberglass batts along with some older mineral wool or rock wool.

What type of paper is used for fiberglass batts?from inspectapedia.com

The paper used with fiberglass insulation is often just that, paper. The two common varities of facing for fiberglass batts are aluminum-foil faced paper or kraft paper that is more brown or tan in color. Often the fiberglass is bonded to the paper facing by asphalt or an equivalent adhesive.

What is the R value of balsam wool?from inspectapedia.com

We estimate that balsam wool has an R value of about 2 to 3.5 in loose fill and about 2 to 3.25 in batts.

Why is balsam wool removed?from inspectapedia.com

Thought you'd appreciate these instructions for Balsam Wool. We've been removing it because we have limited space for fiberglass, and the packaging is displacing too much space. The balsam inside has disintegrated and packed, thus not too useful. - D.G. 3/10/2014

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1.How to identify balsam wool building insulation, …

Url:https://inspectapedia.com/insulation/Balsam_Wool_Insulation.php

16 hours ago History of the Development & Production of Balsam Wool Insulation. "Balsam Wool" is a wood fiber product or "cellulose" insulation that was widely used in homes and in a variety of other …

2.Videos of What Is Balsam Wool Insulation

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+balsam+wool+insulation&qpvt=what+is+balsam+wool+insulation&FORM=VDRE

11 hours ago What is Balsam wool? “Balsam- Wool is a guaranteed Weyerhaeuser product, a blanket of fluffy wood fibre that looks and acts like sheep's wool. It is a TRUE insulation-keeping the house …

3.Wooly Bully… Balsam Wool Insulation. - NCW Home …

Url:http://www.ncwhomeinspections.com/Balsam+Wool+Insulation

14 hours ago  · Balsam wool insulation used wood fibers from tree bark, wood pulp, and other lumber byproducts. It is a wood or cellulose product and not an asbestos-containing material. …

4.Does Balsam wool insulation contain asbestos?

Url:https://tahsch.industrialmill.com/frequently-asked-questions/does-balsam-wool-insulation-contain-asbestos

11 hours ago This insulation should be R-31 through R-38 depending on local codes. If the side attic is heated, insulation should be provided on the underside of the roof, and across the portion of the floor …

5.Balsam Wool Insulation - Wood Cotton - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt5TAbNtACs

5 hours ago  · Hello: I have an old house with the balsam wool insulation in the attic. It looks to be double sided with the black facing and about an inch thick (brown inside). I wanted to …

6.Remove old balsam wool insulation? - DIY Home …

Url:https://www.diychatroom.com/threads/remove-old-balsam-wool-insulation.99824/

26 hours ago Balsam Wool Insulation was sold in the early part of the 20th century. Balsam Wool Insulation was made from the following: 1. Wood Fiber. 2. Liquid Fire Retardant impregnated into fiber …

7.Weyerhaeuser Forest Balsam Wool Insulation - Trus Joist …

Url:https://www.techsupport.weyerhaeuser.com/hc/en-us/articles/201758150-Weyerhaeuser-Forest-Balsam-Wool-Insulation-

15 hours ago Balsam Wool is perfectly safe and does not contain asbestos. You can leave it or, if you decide to remove, try to do it in such a way so as to not tear the paper, it’ll be a much cleaner removal. …

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