Damp Diaries: An Exploration of Wet Insulation

What happens when our insulation gets wet? Does it get ruined, or will it continue to perform its job properly as if nothing happened? And can we dry out wet insulation?

Before discussing how moisture affects insulation and what to do if our insulation gets wet, we must understand what causes insulation to become wet.

How does attic insulation get wet?

Water Leaks: Originating from pipes running through or above insulation. Additionally, if gutters or roofs are in poor condition, they can allow water to enter and saturate the insulation.

Flooding: If our home experiences a flood, the water from the flood might infiltrate and saturate the insulation.

Increased Humidity: If the air in our house is highly humid, it will cause moisture to accumulate on your insulation, making it wet. Inadequate ventilation downstairs or inside the attic can also trap moisture within the insulation, leading to saturation.

Results?

R-Value: As you may be aware, the R-value indicates how effectively the insulation can retain heat inside the house. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs. When insulation becomes wet, its R-value decreases as the water displaces the trapped air. Consequently, the insulation becomes gradually less efficient and may transmit heat instead of blocking it.

Mold Growth: Mold growth can cause serious health problems such as coughing and asthma attacks. Since insulation is installed in a confined area such as the attic, it can become an ideal environment for mold growth. Eventually, the mold will spread, affecting indoor air quality.

Different Types of Wet Insulation...

Fiberglass: Wet fiberglass insulation will lose its insulating properties over time. The thin, wet glass fibers expand the material, rendering it incapable of trapping heat. Moisture breaks down the fibers and affects the insulation's durability. In some cases, fiberglass may also rot, compromising its performance as insulation.

Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is known for its excellent insulating properties. However, when exposed to large amounts of water, it becomes heavier and provides less insulation.

Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is typically water-resistant and creates a moisture barrier between the walls and the foam. However, if this insulation becomes wet, it requires careful attention. Immediate drying is essential, as water sitting on the foam's surface can degrade the material. Additionally, wet spray foam insulation is heavy and must be handled cautiously to prevent damage to the home's structure.

How to Dry Wet Insulation?

It is possible to dry out wet insulation, but the required time will depend on the insulation type, ventilation, humidity, and temperature. Follow these steps:

1. Remove water from the area where the insulation is located.
2. Dry out the area using dehumidifiers and fans to remove excess moisture from the air.
3. Blow warm air over the insulation.
Once the insulation has dried completely, carefully inspect it for signs of damage. If it is deteriorated, it must be replaced.

In conclusion, it is essential to inspect our attic regularly, even after insulating it. If signs of wet insulation are noticed, it is best to contact professionals as they have the proper tools and expertise.