(TECH, 3.5.1.2)

• Process depends on whether vermiculite is exposed to interior environment
  • If vermiculite insulation is exposed to the interior environment, proceed with the evaluation but do not perform an airtightness test.
  • have the homeowner sign the Blower Door Test Waiver
  • do not disturb the vermiculite insulation;
  • make note of it;
  • inform the homeowner of the presence of vermiculite and explain that it may contain asbestos;
  • advise the homeowner not to touch or disturb the vermiculite;
  • advise the homeowner to contact their local health authority;
  • record the proxy ACH50
  • when the airtightness test was waived for one evaluation on a house but was performed for the other, the airtightness test results in both the previous Basic Service (D file) and the post-retrofit Basic Service (E file) must match.
• Exposed to the interior environment means that vermiculite insulation is exposed or present within the interior conditioned space.
• if access doors, panels, wall plates, or an attic hatch must be opened to visually see the vermiculite, that is not considered exposed to the interior environment.
• However, if vermiculite is visible at the bottom of balloon-framed walls such as in a basement, can be seen between open paneling or boards such as at the ceiling, or vermiculite is noted at the bottom of pipe, duct or chimney penetrations, then this would be considered as exposed to the interior.

In the event that no vermiculite insulation appears to be exposed to the interior, but the energy advisor deems that there is a risk that vermiculite may be drawn into the house during the blower door test because of the nature of the house's construction or how it is insulated, or if the homeowner is concerned that the blower door fan could draw particles into the home,

• follow the procedures for a pressurization test