Vermiculite Removal & Attic Insulation Restoration Winnipeg
Professional vermiculite insulation removal and contaminated attic insulation remediation. New insulation installation available following remediation projects.
Manitoba
Asbestos regulations followed
Type 2/3
Asbestos work certified
HEPA
Negative air containment on every project
R50/R60
Post-remediation insulation available
What Is It
What is vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. It was widely used as attic insulation in Canadian homes from the 1940s through the 1990s under the brand name Zonolite - appearing as lightweight, grey-brown granular particles loosely spread across the attic floor.
The primary North American vermiculite supply came from the Libby, Montana mine, which is now confirmed to have been contaminated with tremolite asbestos. Because of this, Health Canada recommends treating all vermiculite insulation as asbestos-containing until laboratory testing confirms otherwise.
Do not disturb vermiculite insulation
Disturbing vermiculite - sweeping, raking, compressing, or walking through it - can release asbestos fibres into the air. Until professionally removed, attic access should be restricted and ventilation pathways should not be opened below the attic.
How to recognise vermiculite insulation
- Lightweight, loose granular material spread across attic floor
- Grey, silver-brown, or golden-brown colour
- Small particle size (approximately 5-15mm)
- Shiny, accordion-like appearance when closely examined
- Found in homes built or renovated between 1940 and 1990
- Often installed over existing joists, ceiling level, or on top of older insulation
If you think you have vermiculite
- Do not disturb, sweep, or attempt to bag it yourself
- Restrict attic access until professionally assessed
- Do not seal attic vents - leave existing ventilation as-is
- Contact a certified asbestos inspector for sampling
- Contact Relief Restorations to discuss removal and restoration
Interactive Tool
Attic cross-section - what you might find
Click any glowing hotspot on the attic diagram to understand the concern, associated risks, and recommended next steps.
Click any glowing dot to learn more
Select an attic zone
Click any glowing hotspot on the attic diagram to learn about potential concerns, risks, and what to do next.
Materials
Insulation materials - what we offer
Relief Restorations installs blown-in cellulose and blown-in fibreglass only, as a post-remediation service. Other material types listed here are for educational reference.
Vermiculite Insulation
Lightweight, granular mineral insulation used in Canadian homes from the 1940s to 1990s. Because most North American vermiculite came from the asbestos-contaminated Libby, Montana mine, it must be treated as potentially asbestos-containing until tested.
Relief Restorations provides professional vermiculite removal only; we do not reinstall vermiculite insulation. In Manitoba we always treat vermiculite as asbestos-containing - even if a sample tests negative - and all removal follows Manitoba asbestos regulations.
Blown-In Fibreglass
Blown-in fibreglass insulation is a loose-fill product installed using specialised blowing equipment. It is non-combustible, moisture-resistant, and an excellent thermal performer for Manitoba attic applications.
Available from Relief Restorations as a post-remediation service following completed attic remediation. Not offered as a standalone insulation project.
Blown-In Cellulose
Blown-in cellulose is made from recycled paper fibre treated with fire retardant and borate compounds. It provides excellent thermal performance, is environmentally friendly, and offers good air infiltration resistance.
Available from Relief Restorations as a post-remediation service following completed attic remediation. Not offered as a standalone insulation project.
Fibreglass Batt Insulation
Fibreglass batt insulation consists of pre-cut panels of spun glass fibre typically installed between rafters or joists. It is widely available and a standard choice for many insulation contractors.
Not offered by Relief Restorations. We specialise in blown-in insulation following remediation projects. For batt insulation-only projects, please contact a general insulation contractor.
Rockwool / Mineral Wool
Rockwool (mineral wool) is made from spun basalt or slag fibres. It offers excellent fire resistance, acoustic performance, and moisture management. Available in both batt and blown formats from general insulation contractors.
Not offered by Relief Restorations. We specialise in blown-in cellulose and blown-in fibreglass following remediation projects. For rockwool projects, please contact a general insulation contractor.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam (open or closed cell polyurethane) is applied as a liquid that expands to seal gaps and form a combined air and moisture barrier. It requires specialised equipment and is installed by dedicated spray foam contractors.
Not offered by Relief Restorations. We specialise in blown-in cellulose and blown-in fibreglass following remediation projects. For spray foam, please contact a dedicated spray foam contractor.
Our Process
7-step removal protocol
Every vermiculite removal project follows a consistent, documented protocol from initial assessment and laboratory analysis through to optional insulation restoration. Tap any step to learn more.
Assessment & Sampling
A certified asbestos inspector visits the property to assess the attic insulation, document conditions, and collect bulk samples from the vermiculite insulation for laboratory analysis. The inspector will also identify any other hazardous materials present and document access conditions.
Laboratory Analysis
Work Area Preparation
Containment Setup
Safe Removal Procedures
Clearance Procedures
Optional Insulation Restoration
Step 1 of 7
Assessment & Sampling
A certified asbestos inspector visits the property to assess the attic insulation, document conditions, and collect bulk samples from the vermiculite insulation for laboratory analysis. The inspector will also identify any other hazardous materials present and document access conditions.
Duration: 1-2 hrs
Do not disturb vermiculite insulation before the assessment is complete. Disturbance can release asbestos fibres into the living space below.
Safety & Compliance
Our safety and containment procedures
Vermiculite removal involving asbestos is controlled, regulated work. Every project follows our full safety protocol without exception.
Manitoba asbestos regulations
All vermiculite removal is performed in compliance with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health asbestos regulations. Type 2 and Type 3 asbestos work procedures are followed based on the confirmed scope and quantity.
Certified workers
All workers performing asbestos-related tasks hold current asbestos abatement worker certification. Work is conducted under the supervision of a certified asbestos abatement supervisor.
Proper PPE
Workers wear P100 or N100-rated respiratory protection, full Tyvek suits, nitrile gloves, and boot covers. PPE is donned before entering containment and follows a full decontamination procedure on each exit.
Containment procedures
A full poly enclosure is constructed to isolate the work area. Negative air pressure machines with HEPA filtration maintain airflow into the containment and prevent fibre migration to occupied areas.
Decontamination practices
A decontamination unit is established at the attic access point. Workers follow a three-stage decon process on every exit from the containment. No materials leave the containment without being properly bagged and sealed.
Disposal protocols
All removed vermiculite is double-bagged in approved asbestos waste containers, labelled per Manitoba regulations, and disposed of through a licensed asbestos waste disposal facility with proper manifesting.
Post-Remediation Installation
Attic insulation restoration - our scope
Our insulation installation scope
Relief Restorations provides attic insulation installation only following remediation projects involving vermiculite removal, mould remediation, or contaminated insulation removal. We do not provide insulation installation as a standalone service.
What Relief offers (post-remediation only)
Blown-In Cellulose
R50 or R60 available
Blown-In Fibreglass
R50 or R60 available
Attic Hatch Depth Extensions
Add-on, scoped per project
Rafter Baffle Vents
Add-on, scoped per project
Not offered by Relief Restorations
Standalone insulation installation
Must be part of a remediation project
Spray foam insulation
Not within our service scope
Batt insulation (any type)
Fibreglass, rockwool, or mineral wool batts
Waterproofing or vapour barriers
Not within our service scope
Attic ventilation installation
Roof vents, soffit vents, or power vents
Why Relief
Winnipeg’s vermiculite removal specialists
Asbestos trained & certified
Certified asbestos workers and supervisors on every vermiculite project. All work performed in compliance with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health regulations.
Full containment on every project
Negative air pressure and poly enclosure containment established before any material is disturbed - no shortcuts, regardless of project size.
Pre-removal testing guidance
We assist clients in coordinating bulk sampling and laboratory analysis through certified inspectors and accredited labs before removal scope is finalised.
Complete project documentation
Lab reports, work records, disposal manifests, and clearance documentation provided for every project - essential for real estate transactions and insurance.
Post-remediation insulation option
Following clearance, we can restore your attic insulation to R50 or R60 with blown-in cellulose or fibreglass - one team, full project accountability.
Clear, honest guidance
We do not exaggerate risk or pressure clients. We provide clear information about what testing found, what removal involves, and what your options are.
FAQ
Common questions about vermiculite removal
Concerned about vermiculite in your attic?
Don’t disturb it. Don’t ignore it. Contact our certified team for a professional assessment, testing coordination, and a clear removal plan - with optional insulation restoration to follow.
Serving Winnipeg, Selkirk, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, and all of southern Manitoba