Replacing Wet Attic Insulation

Coping with wet insulation.

Replacing wet attic insulation.

Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special. If insulation becomes moist or damp its rendered useless. Wet insulation is bad for your roof your building and its occupants. And in the warmer months proper insulation and venting in the attic provides the thermal break necessary to keep all that warm air in the attic moving and out of your living space.

Can water damaged insulation be salvaged. Choose your insulation type and material 1. Blown foam is ideal as it air seals as well as insulates. Be sure to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage to your home.

It is more easy to dry out than cellulose insulation however and the same principles may be used when considering a wetted area of cotton insulation. If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries. If you re experiencing any of these issues and you re also planning a roof replacement it s a great time to seize the opportunity to lower your energy. Issues such as blocked vents a leaking roof or even basement flooding can cause attic insulation to get wet.

Wet insulation is inefficient but more immediately it can be a hidden risk. Removing the old insulation. Mount a piece of extruded polystyrene 25 mm 1 inch from the sheathing to maintain the ventilation air space and fill between this board and the attic floor with good insulation. If a small area has been damaged it can be removed dried and replaced.

Because it requires professional installation closed cell foam insulation is pricey but. Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane. While most blown in insulation contains cellulose fibers if the house was built. Cotton insulation as again a plant fiber is prone to collecting moisture.

When a roof leak leads to saturated insulation that insulation almost always needs to be replaced. However if active mold growth is evident. Soaked cellulose insulation will retain absorbed water for an extended time and resists drying. Cut pieces of extruded polystyrene will help as well.