Vermiculite Attic Insulation: What Homeowners Should Know About the Zonolite Trust Fund

If your home was built before the 1990s and has loose, pebble-like insulation in the attic, there’s a good chance it contains vermiculite insulation and it could be contaminated with asbestos. Many homeowners in Idaho and Eastern Oregon are unaware that there’s actually a national trust fund that can help cover the cost of removing or containing this hazardous material.

At Johnny on the Spot Environmental, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners test, remove, and safely replace this type of insulation and we want you to know that financial assistance is available through the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust (ZAI Trust).

What Is Vermiculite Insulation and Why It’s a Concern

Vermiculite is a lightweight, pour-in insulation material that was widely used from the 1940s through the 1980s. It looks like small, gray-brown flakes or pebbles and was prized for its fire resistance and energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, a large portion of vermiculite sold during that time under the brand name Zonolite was mined in Libby, Montana, where natural asbestos contamination occurred. As a result, many attics across the country (including here in Idaho) contain insulation that can release dangerous asbestos fibers if disturbed.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. That’s why the EPA recommends leaving vermiculite insulation undisturbed until it can be safely assessed and removed by professionals.

Help Is Available: The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Fund

To assist property owners affected by Zonolite insulation, the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust was created by W.R. Grace & Co., the manufacturer of the product. The Trust provides financial reimbursement for part of the cost of professional removal or containment of Zonolite attic insulation.

Homeowners may be eligible for reimbursement of up to 55% of the approved abatement costs, up to around $5,200.

That means if your attic insulation is confirmed to be Zonolite, the Trust can cover a significant portion of your abatement and reinsulation expenses. This program is available nationwide, including to residents of Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and across Eastern Oregon.

How to Know If You Qualify

You may qualify for reimbursement if:

Your attic contains loose, pebble-like vermiculite insulation (often light gray, gold, or silver-brown).
Testing confirms it is Zonolite brand insulation.
You use a licensed environmental contractor to perform the removal or containment.
You can provide proof of costs, photographs, and other documentation of the work.

Johnny on the Spot Environmental can perform the testing and identification process to determine whether your insulation qualifies for the Trust. We’ll collect proper samples, provide certified lab results, and help you understand your options for abatement and reimbursement.

Why Professional Removal Matters

Disturbing vermiculite insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing a health hazard to you and your family. That’s why it’s critical not to handle or disturb this material yourself. Professional asbestos abatement ensures that:

The area is safely sealed off and ventilated during removal.
Workers use specialized protective gear and HEPA filtration.
The material is disposed of according to EPA and state regulations.
Your home can be safely re-insulated once the area is clean.

Even if you aren’t planning major renovations, it’s smart to know what’s in your attic and address it before future projects or energy upgrades disturb the insulation.

Johnny on the Spot Environmental Can Help You Through the Entire Process

Our certified asbestos professionals have extensive experience identifying and removing vermiculite insulation throughout Idaho and Eastern Oregon. We’ve helped multiple homeowners navigate the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust reimbursement process from start to finish.

When you work with us, we’ll not only test and safely remove the insulation - we’ll also handle the documentation needed to get you reimbursed. Because we’ve completed several of these claims, we know exactly what paperwork and photos the Trust requires and can streamline the process for you.

From inspection to final cleanup, we make it easy to protect your home and recover part of your cost in the process.

Protect Your Home and Get the Help You Deserve

If you suspect your home has vermiculite insulation, don’t wait. Testing and mitigation can prevent long-term health risks and now there’s financial support available to help.

Johnny on the Spot Environmental offers free consultations and estimates, along with expert guidance through the Zonolite reimbursement process.

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