So, your home inspection found Zonolite or vermiculite insulation in your attic. The good news is you may qualify for reimbursement to help cover removal costs. The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust reimburses up to 55% of removal expenses, with a maximum of $4,125 per claim.
This guide explains who qualifies and how to file.
At Alpha Building Inspections, we see this insulation regularly in homes throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.
What Is the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust?
The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust is a settlement fund that helps homeowners pay for asbestos removal.
W.R. Grace & Company created it after mining and selling contaminated vermiculite insulation for decades. The mine in Libby, Montana contained asbestos mixed with vermiculite.
Grace sold this material as Zonolite insulation from the 1940s through the 1980s. Millions of homes across the country still have it.
The trust started accepting claims in 2014 and will operate for at least 20 years. It covers testing costs and reimburses part of removal expenses.
How Is Zonolite Insulation Identifed?
Zonolite looks like small, shiny pebbles poured between attic joists.
An inspector will look for:
- Pebble-like granules resembling kitty litter
- Silver-gray, gray-brown, or gold color
- Shiny flakes that catch the light
- Lightweight texture
- Usually 1/4 inch or smaller
Other Insulation Types
- Fiberglass – Pink or yellow fluffy rolls
- Cellulose – Gray shredded paper material
- Spray Foam – Solid yellow or white foam
Not all vermiculite is Zonolite. But treat any vermiculite installed before 1990 as potentially dangerous until tested. Never touch or disturb it yourself.
Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for reimbursement if you meet these conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
| Property Ownership | You currently own or rent the property, or previously owned/rented it |
| Insulation Type | Must be proven Zonolite brand vermiculite containing asbestos |
| Expenses Incurred | You paid for removal, abatement, containment, or reinsulation |
| Documentation | You have receipts, invoices, lab results, and proof of payment |
| Property Type | Residential or commercial buildings qualify |
What the Trust Covers
- Testing Costs – Up to $100 for a state-certified asbestos inspector to collect samples and submit them to the ZAI Trust for analysis.
- Removal and Abatement – Up to 55% of eligible costs, capped at $4,125 per claimant.
- Reinsulation – Costs to replace the removed insulation, as long as they’re reasonable and directly related to the vermiculite abatement.
What the Trust Does Not Cover
The trust does not reimburse for:
- Property value loss
- Economic damages
- Health-related claims (separate fund exists)
- Upgrades beyond replacing removed insulation
- DIY labor costs (though material costs may qualify)
- Other asbestos materials like pipe wrap or floor tiles
Filing Your Claim: Step-by-Step Process
The claims process involves testing, removal, and documentation.
Step 1: Confirm You Have Zonolite
Do not disturb the insulation yourself. Hire a state-certified or licensed asbestos inspector to collect samples.
The inspector packages the sample properly and sends it to an accredited laboratory. Request that testing specifically confirms whether the material is Zonolite brand and contains asbestos.
The ZAI Trust also offers free testing. You can collect samples following their sampling instructions and send them directly to the trust at no cost.
If results are inconsistent, the trust will test up to two additional samples free.
Step 2: Hire a Licensed Contractor
Never remove asbestos yourself. Disturbing it releases fibers that can cause cancer decades later.
Finding Contractors
Your state environmental agency lists licensed asbestos abatement contractors. Look for companies with experience removing vermiculite from attics.
Get at least three written estimates. This helps you compare pricing and strengthens your claim.
What Removal Involves
Licensed contractors:
- Seal off the work area with plastic
- Use negative air pressure to contain fibers
- Wet down insulation to reduce dust
- Package material in sealed bags
- Dispose at approved facilities
- Clean with HEPA vacuums
Keep All Documentation
Save everything:
- Written estimates and proposals
- Final invoices with dates
- Before and after photos
- Disposal receipts
- Payment proof (checks, statements, receipts)
The trust needs this documentation to process your claim.
Typical Costs
- Small attic (under 1,000 sq ft): $3,000 – $6,000
- Medium attic (1,000-2,000 sq ft): $6,000 – $10,000
- Reinsulation: $1,500 – $4,000 additional
These are rough ranges. Actual costs vary by home layout and contractor.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Before filing, collect all necessary paperwork:
Proof of Zonolite Brand
- Laboratory test results showing asbestos presence
- Original Zonolite bags or receipts (if available)
- Photos of insulation before removal
Proof of Ownership
- Deed, title, or property tax records
- Rental agreement (if applicable)
Abatement Documentation
- Contractor proposals and final invoices
- Before and after photos of attic
- Canceled checks, bank statements, or credit card statements
- Proof of payment for the non-reimbursable portion
Submit all documented expenses even if they exceed the $7,500 maximum claim value. The trust evaluates everything to determine eligible costs.
Step 4: Complete the Claim Form
Download the current claim form from zonoliteatticinsulation.com.
Even if you filed previously, you must use the updated form.
The form requires:
- Property address and ownership details
- Description of insulation and location
- Contractor information
- Itemized removal and reinsulation costs
- Supporting documentation attachments
You can complete the form without professional assistance. The Trust Distribution Procedures are designed to be homeowner-friendly.
Step 5: Submit Your Claim
Mail your completed form and all documentation to:
ZAI Trust
317 Wingo Way, Suite 303
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
You can also email questions to info@zaitrust.com or call (844) 924-2255.
Claims are processed in the order received. Processing time depends on claim volume and documentation completeness.
Reimbursement Amounts and Timing
To reiterate, the trust reimburses up to 55% of eligible expenses, with a $4,125 maximum per claimant.
Sample Reimbursement Calculation
| Expense Category | Total Cost | Reimbursement (55%) |
| Testing | $300 | $165 |
| Removal & Disposal | $5,000 | $2,750 |
| Reinsulation | $2,500 | $1,375 |
| Total | $7,800 | $4,125 (capped) |
Even though 55% of $7,800 would be $4,290, the trust caps reimbursement at $4,125.
Payment Timeline
Once approved, expect reimbursement within 45 days. Payments process in batches. Complete and accurate documentation speeds up approval.
The trust has paid approximately $14 million in claims since 2014. Funding continues for a minimum of 20 years from the settlement date.
Important Safety Considerations
Zonolite contains asbestos fibers you cannot see, smell, or taste. When disturbed, these fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into your lungs.
Health Risks
Asbestos exposure can cause:
- Asbestosis – Lung scarring and breathing problems
- Lung Cancer – Directly linked to asbestos
- Mesothelioma – Aggressive cancer of lung lining
Symptoms may not appear for 10 to 40 years after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Do Not Disturb It
If you have vermiculite insulation:
- Stay out of the attic when possible
- Never try to remove it yourself
- Don’t store items in the attic
- Prevent contractors from disturbing it during other work
- Seal any gaps between attic and living spaces
Simple activities like running wires or storing holiday decorations can release fibers into your home.
Related Questions
Can I File If I Haven’t Removed the Insulation Yet?
Yes. You can file after removal is complete and you’ve paid the contractor. Some homeowners wait to file until after abatement to ensure they have all required documentation. Keep detailed records from the start.
What If I’m Selling My Home?
New England states have disclosure requirements. Massachusetts law requires informing buyers about known environmental hazards. Having a pre-listing inspection report that identifies vermiculite helps with disclosure obligations.
Some sellers complete removal before listing to avoid complications. Others negotiate with buyers who may file claims after purchase.
Does This Affect Home Insurance?
Most homeowners policies don’t cover asbestos removal or property value loss from its presence. Some insurers may require disclosure if you’re aware of asbestos-containing materials.
Check your policy and state requirements.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a professional inspector if you:
- Need a home inspection and want to check for vermiculite
- Suspect your attic has this insulation
- Are planning renovations that might involve the attic
- Need documentation for insurance or real estate purposes
We inspect homes throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Our inspectors identify vermiculite during standard inspections and can guide you on next steps.
For testing and removal, hire only state-certified asbestos professionals. Your state environmental agency provides lists of licensed contractors.
Conclusion
The Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust reimburses up to $4,125 for asbestos removal. This financial help makes professional abatement more affordable.
Get your insulation tested first. Never disturb it yourself. Hire licensed contractors and keep detailed records. The filing process is straightforward when you have proper documentation.
If your inspection found vermiculite, use this guide to access available financial assistance. At Alpha Building Inspections, we help homeowners understand what’s in their attics and take appropriate action.
