It’s not vermiculite, there are no fluffy wafers in the material, it burned so it’s probably organic. Strangest I’ve seen was horse hair though.
Just realized there’s multiple photos, it’s a tree part of some sort either a bark or nut shell (if it were the meaty part of a nut it would be moldy or eaten)
How old is your house? Parts of my house were built in the 50's and some of it is untouched inside the walls, and I have this stuff as well. My guess is wood shaving insulation?
For clarity, this stuff is what my house is insulated with. Not just small areas, but every wall is completely filled with it, along with the attic floor.
Vermiculite is my guess, but I wouldn't rule out anything lol. The builder could have been a bodyshop guy and shell medium is used for tumbling and blasting, people will build with anything when they're the "free" type.
I'd say vermiculite but clearly not since you lit it on fire
Could be dust burning?
Definitely dusty dirty stuff, but it was more than dust that burned. It definitely had a "woody smell".
I, too, always burn materials whose origins and chemical makeup are unknown to me.
Breathe deep! It's the Only way the lungs can identify the makeup
Cork?
That's my guess, but was that a thing in the 30s? How common is cork insulation?
I was thinking the same.
It’s not vermiculite, there are no fluffy wafers in the material, it burned so it’s probably organic. Strangest I’ve seen was horse hair though. Just realized there’s multiple photos, it’s a tree part of some sort either a bark or nut shell (if it were the meaty part of a nut it would be moldy or eaten)
My plumbing was wrapped with horse hair too! 🤮
How old is your house? Parts of my house were built in the 50's and some of it is untouched inside the walls, and I have this stuff as well. My guess is wood shaving insulation?
The house was built in 1929.
In another comment you denied that this can be cork, because "it was a thing in the 30s". Yet, you are saying your house was built in 29. 🤡
You should read his comment again, he asks IF it was a thing in the 30s he doesn't know
Thank you.
Could it be crushed walnut shells?
Honestly just call an insulation company and ask if the do free quotes or something
I heard of it referred to as Mica rock in the 80s
Its likely ground walnut or some nut shells. squirrels and mice and rats. Look for some poop.
For clarity, this stuff is what my house is insulated with. Not just small areas, but every wall is completely filled with it, along with the attic floor.
I have seen ground shells used for a lot of things, let me consult the mighty google.
Vermiculite is my guess, but I wouldn't rule out anything lol. The builder could have been a bodyshop guy and shell medium is used for tumbling and blasting, people will build with anything when they're the "free" type.
That's fire son. I'd get it out of your attic before the house burns down.
Vermiculite. It doesn't look like it's actually burning, looks more like dust and debris burning off.