THE EAST VALLEY Blog

How Moisture Can Affect Your Home and Spray Foam Insulation

Although Arizona tends to be a dry climate, we do still experience rain and that can be detrimental to your home and insulation. Moisture is an issue we may encounter with our clients, often without them even realizing it. Moisture can wreak havoc on a home, so it is very important to take recommendations seriously!

Moisture buildup in your home can lead to mold growth, musty odors, pest infestations, and even structural issues. Although Arizona is a place most homeowners would not consider a risk for water and moisture damage, we do still encounter moisture problems caused by storms, busted pipes, poor drainage, or other circumstances. Because of our climate, moisture is often overlooked.

As a result, before we can apply closed cell spray foam insulation, we need to ensure the space is moisture-free. We use a moisture meter to check the wood, and if it holds more than 18% humidity, we cannot spray and have to address the underlying issues. To deal with moisture issues, we work closely with homeowners to diagnose the problem and implement solutions. This may include installing a vapor barrier and using a dehumidifier to dry out the space. Once moisture levels are under control, we can proceed with insulation. We must take these steps first in order to ensure problems don’t arise in the future. Sometimes this is just an area that needs time to dry, other times it allows us to diagnose issues that may be present that the homeowner was unaware of, such as a leak.

If we notice issues like sloping ground or faulty gutters, we will point those out as well. While we're not gutter experts, we're trained to spot potential problems and can often collaborate with other companies to address them and bring your home to function as it should.

To determine if your home has moisture issues, look out for these signs:

• Musty odors
• Visible mold or mildew
• Rotten wood
• Sticking doors and windows
• Floorboard problems
• Bubbling wallpaper
• Water stains on the ceiling
• Pooling water under or near the house after rainfall.

Even though Arizona is typically hot and dry, there are many circumstances in which moisture in your home can arise. Pipe leaks, overflowing sinks or tubs, poor drainage, sprinkler systems, rainfall, and more can all lead to major moisture problems in your home. Water can get trapped in places you might not even be able to see, and can take weeks to even notice signs of damage. 

Taking the proper steps for insulation installation is crucial for protecting your home and preventing damage. Our team at Koala Insulation of East Valley is here to help.  We’ve diagnosed a lot of underlying problems for our clients and would like to help you as well. Contact us today for an estimate!