THE DANGERS OF COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION

THE DANGERS OF COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION

Do-it-yourself project can easily create a lethal situation.

Check your home for combustible insulation.

The most common type of exposed combustible insulation found in houses is polystyrene -- the

white plastic insulation commonly used to make disposable coffee cups.

It comes in one-quarter inch to four-inch thick sheets. It is often exposed in basements, crawl

spaces and garages.


When plastic insulation burns, it gives off a tremendous amount of heat.

The fire tends to travel very quickly across the surface of the plastic and gives off thick, black, toxic smoke.

If you find this insulation in your home, cover it with drywall to protect it from fire and reduce

flame spread if it does burn.

If polystyrene insulation has been glued to the inside of your garage door, there's no way to

adequately protect it -- simply remove it.



Polystyrene was often used by Do-It-Yourselfers, as inexpensive ceiling tile for T- bar ceilings.

Using combustible plastic insulation as suspended ceiling tiles is a disaster waiting to happen.