Here we go again... Constant new discoveries in an old house.
In the gap at the bottom between the old chimney breast and wooden floor (which is under the new parquet seen in the picture), I found the following material. Looks like it was stuffed in there to seal between the old wooden floor and the chimney breast. See pictures!
What do you think? Glass wool or asbestos? Analysis needed or clearly glass wool?
Foolish as I am, I started applying a sealant to cover the gap. Then I realized that there's usually a refrigerator there, whose compressor on the back can get really, really hot. I applied Casco painter's sealant, 3914. So, now I'm wondering if I should remove the sealant because it might "melt," which probably isn't good, but at the same time, I don't want to mess with the insulation until I know what material it is.
I think soon you'll have to gather all your thoughts in a box and send them for analysis for your own peace of mind; it's almost impossible to sit and guess what everything in your house is made of.
To me, it looks like dirty glass wool from the 50s, we have a lot of that in our house, some marked with "Billesholm". Long, white, slightly straighter fibers than modern glass wool.
Thank you AskeHolst!
Where do you have this material in your house?
Was this type of glass wool also available as loose fill or just as boards/rolls?
In my case, it seems like it's pressed into gaps where the chimney meets the wooden floor.
At least that's what I think.
Therefore, I think it probably should be loose fill.
Thank you AskeHolst!
Where do you have this material in your house?
Did this type of fiberglass also come as loose fill or just in sheets/rolls?
In my case, it seems like it's been pressed into gaps where the chimney meets the wooden floor.
At least I think so.
Therefore, I think it probably involves loose fill.
Can't see any markings, just a lot of "junk"..
most common in rolls. often wrapped around pipes. however, there are no guarantees that it is exactly that insulation. if you want to be sure, send for analysis.
Yes, you're right, to be completely sure I must of course send it for analysis.
But, what do you think when you see the picture?
Suspiciously similar to asbestos or more likely some form of fiberglass?
One thought I have is that they might have chosen asbestos in this place before, for fire safety reasons.
Since they pressed it in connection to the chimney/wooden floor.
I might be thinking wrong..
It seems to me like a completely illogical place to have asbestos, and I have never seen asbestos that looked like that. What would you do if it turned out to be asbestos? Since you've already removed it, it's too late to be cautious with it.
By the way, the grout will not melt from the heat of the refrigerator.
Avemo, thanks for the input!
I haven't torn everything off.
I didn't want to dig into it too much without knowing what the material is.
So, there's a lot left. Which I haven't sealed over either.
In response to your question, what's done is done, but if it is asbestos, I definitely want to remove the rest,
but in a safer way. I'll have to hire someone if that's the case.
Still hoping it's not asbestos, but something else entirely.
Analysis might be the only right thing to do to know for sure.
Yes, you are right, to be absolutely sure I obviously have to send it for analysis.
But, what are your thoughts when you see the picture?
Suspiciously similar to asbestos or more likely some form of fiberglass?
One thought I have is that in the past they might have chosen asbestos for this spot, from a fire safety point of view.
Since they've stuffed it in connection with the chimney/wooden floor.
I might be thinking wrong..
what I'm thinking. is to get the vacuum cleaner out. and that I have to seal it up or put a strip
It is definitely rabbit fur, very common to insulate with during the old king's time. What are they called again? Angora rabbit or asbestos rabbit
No, just kidding! Typical fiberglass from the mid last century, as AskeHolst writes.
But seriously, Sina71: Do you think this, or a little caulk, could catch fire because of the heat from the fridge's compressor? How has it gone with the wooden floor, which has been around for a few decades? It doesn't seem like it has started to burn yet.
