Asbestos vs Fiberglass: What Are the Differences?

Are you interested in installing new insulation in your basement or crawlspace? Are you unsure whether you should install fiberglass or asbestos? If yes, then you need to learn about the differences between asbestos vs fiberglass before making your selection.

Doing so can help you make an informed decision about what insulation to install in your home. If you already have one type of insulation installed but are considering changing to the other, you need to understand the differences between both.

See below for a helpful guide comparing asbestos and fiberglass.

Asbestos vs Fiberglass: What Are They?

Asbestos and fiberglass are both materials that have been used in a variety of applications for many years. Both materials have their own unique properties that make them suitable for different purposes. But what is asbestos and what is fiberglass?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. This makes asbestos an ideal material for use in insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing.

Fiberglass is a man-made material that is made from glass fibers that are intertwined to form a mat. It is often used in insulation, filtration, and reinforcement applications. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals.

Asbestos: A Public Health Hazard

There are two main types of asbestos: chrysotile and amphibole. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common type of asbestos. It is made up of long, thin fibers that are flexible and curl when they get wet.

Amphibole fibers are shorter and sharper than chrysotile fibers, and they are less flexible. Asbestos may be a good insulator because it can stand up to heat, fire, and chemicals, but it is also bad for your health.

Both types of asbestos fibers can cause health problems if they are inhaled. Asbestos vs Fiberglass are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and they can stay in the air for a long time. And when people breathe in asbestos fibers, they can become trapped in the lungs and other tissues.

Over time, these fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, and they can lead to serious health problems. This includes lung cancer and mesothelioma. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor and have them conduct an asbestos physical exam on you because it might have unknowingly been in your system for a long time.

Fiberglass: A Safe Alternative

Fiberglass is a type of glass that is made from fine, thread-like fibers of glass. It is not as durable, but definitely not a public health hazard. Because it is man-made, it’s development has been controlled and manipulated to be safe for people to use and even inhale.

Compared to asbestos, it is also less likely to cause irritation when it comes into contact with skin. Additionally, it is also not a good conductor of electricity, making it a safer option for electrical applications.

Knowing the Differences Makes All the Difference

The debate about asbestos vs fibreglass is a valid one. Asbestos is known for its durability and heat-resistant properties, while fiberglass is known for being lightweight and easy to work with. When it comes to cost, asbestos is usually more expensive than fiberglass.

But remember that asbestos is a public health hazard, which fiberglass is not. So when it comes to choosing between the two, it really depends on your needs. But is it really a hard choice?

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