Insulation and Moisture Problems

With hurricane season right around the corner, and the constant rainy weather and humidity in South Florida, you probably might be asking yourself how your insulation is doing. Insulation is mostly installed into joist spaces, wall cavities, and your attic that you most likely have not visited for a couple of months or even years. While a contractor will probably use a moisture meter to detect wetness in a wall, you may have to open the wall cavity to determine if it is actually wet. If you do happen to open it and realize there is moisture in the insulation, it might be best to contact Koala Insulation of South Miami to help with the insulation exchange and identify other areas that could benefit from insulation. Roof leaks are also one of the leading causes of wet insulation. A roof leak can go unnoticed but do a great deal of damage before you discover it. Other wet insulation causes include:

• Air seepage (windows, doors, siding gaps, exterior cracks)
• Ground moisture (basement/crawl space insulation)
• Plumbing leaks
• Rain (it can literally blow into your insulation from an outside vent)
   

What to do if you find moisture in your home

You might be asking yourself, what now? If the source of moisture is from the inside of a wall (for example a pipe leak in the wall), and if the insulation is not dry within 2-3 days, it should be removed. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out. Wet insulation in a wall will migrate to the bottom soaking the wallboard and framing materials.  If a moisture source ends, mold can lie dormant for a while, but as soon as moisture is reintroduced, it begins to grow and spread. Mold is dangerous in any form; it must be eliminated and prevented. Wetness (existing even for a few days) will not only reduce the insulating quality of the insulation, but it might not dry soon enough to prevent mold and wood decay from forming. If you have an attic problem and your insulation gets wet, put a fan on it to begin drying it out. If, after two days of nonstop fanning and drying attempts, there is still dampness on, in, or around the insulation, you’ve done all the DIY you can do. Mold begins growing between 24-48 hours after your insulation gets wet so you might want to act fast. At this point, it’s time to contact your South Miami insulation experts. If there’s a safe way to salvage your insulation and save money, we’ll find it.

How does moisture affect different types of insulation

Various types of insulation respond to moisture differently. Some aren’t damaged at all, while others must be dried out to prevent mold growth. There are many variables that come into play when deciding if your insulation should be replaced or not. This includes the amount of moisture, the length of time your insulation has been deteriorating from moisture, and the type of insulation you have.

• Closed-cell spray foam provides a better defense to water and makes for better insulation near exterior walls and roofs.
• Open-cell spray foam is great for indoors use but can absorb water when exposed to exterior moisture.
• Wood fiber insulation soaks up water like a sponge and compromises surrounding structures (like your roofing).

Wet Cellulose Insulation

You have cellulose insulation if you see loose, gray fibers in wall and floor cavities. Cellulose is made primarily of recycled newspaper, making it a plant-based product that can be difficult to restore after getting wet.

If the portion of wet cellulose insulation is small enough, you might be able to remove it, let it dry for a few days and then put it back. However, if the leak was more extensive, a more substantial portion of insulation may have gotten wet. Mold can begin growing within just a few days, so total removal and replacement may be necessary. 

Wet Spray Foam Insulation

You know your home has spray foam insulation if wall and floor cavities are filled with hard white foam. Quite possibly one of the best things about foam insulation is its water resistance. Because it expands and hardens, it doesn’t allow water to permeate the surface. This makes it a fairly ideal insulation choice. Though spray foam doubles as a moisture barrier and creates an air-tight seal, the leak is still problematic because water can damage the wood surrounding the insulation. Find the hole and seal it to protect your home’s porous structures from moisture damage.

Wet Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is fairly moisture resistant, making it a great choice for homeowners who live in higher humidity regions. In comparison to several other types of insulation, fiberglass has been tested to be fairly sturdy against moisture. This material is made of tiny strands of glass, so it doesn’t absorb water. However, when moisture fills the air pockets between the fibers, the insulation loses its ability to slow the transfer of heat. When fiberglass insulation gets wet, it won’t just immediately soak up the water. Fiberglass doesn’t absorb water, so no instant damage will be done to your home’s structure. However, if the problem goes unfixed, that will damage and seriously decrease the insulation’s functionality. To help fiberglass insulation dry out, place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. If you have batts, remove the affected ones and transfer them to a warm place to dry. Once dry, return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from. Inspect the fiberglass again in the next few weeks, and if it starts to smell funny, this means it was contaminated with dirty water. You should replace it to avoid affecting your indoor air quality.

As always, we do not recommend doing these tasks on your own. Call your trusted insulation experts at Koala Insulation South Miami to get the job done properly and safely.

In conclusion, If you notice any moisture in your insulation, you should take all the necessary measures to solve the problem. Doing so will protect you and your family members from getting exposed to mildew, mold, and other contaminants related to increased moisture in your home. When your insulation gets wet, you need to act fast! Let Koala Insulation help you salvage as much insulation as possible. We’ll reinstall the amount we can and replace any moldy portions with new insulation to keep your home comfortable, clean and energy-efficient in all seasons. If you live in the South Miami area, please contact us to learn more or to schedule the insulation services you need!