What Happens When Cellulose Insulation Gets Wet
Cellulose insulation is a type of insulation that is taking over in the insulation world. It is made from recycled newspaper and is treated with borate in order to make it fire-retardant and insect-resistant. Small amounts of moisture and humidity do not negatively impact cellulose insulation, so it is an excellent choice for homes in the Midwest, where the climate is naturally humid.
But if your attic leaks or a pipe bursts, the amount of water that enters into the insulation can often be more than what it is designed to handle. Although cellulose insulation is treated to be water-resistant, it is not waterproof. If your insulation gets wet, you need to act quickly. Today, Valley Insulation will discuss what happens when cellulose insulation gets wet, as well as some tips you should follow in case of a leak.
How Water Inundation Impacts Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is a loose-fill product. The material is designed to fill space with the “fluff” of the fibers to prevent voids and air pockets. When the fibers become wet to an excessive level, their weight increases and the material will slowly compress and settle. The more your cellulose insulation compresses, the more it will expose parts of your wall or attic, greatly reducing the effectiveness of your insulation.
To make matters worse, although cellulose insulation is mold-resistant, the same cannot be said of the wood that it rests against. Water-soaked insulation sits up against wood walls and can create an area that is susceptible to mold growth. As mold can grow very quickly, it is important that you act fast if your cellulose insulation gets wet.
What to Do In Case of Wet Cellulose Insulation
The first step you should take is to fix the leak. Whatever it was that caused your cellulose insulation to get wet needs to be fixed ASAP. After the leak has been fixed, you have a few options. You could attempt to clean any mold and allow your insulation to dry if the leak only impacted a small part of your insulation.
Insulation Removal in Cincinnati
If the damage is more substantial, or you are simply unsure of the extent to which your insulation was damaged, it is best to bring in a professional. Our experts at Valley Insulation have years of experience with insulation repair and replacement. We can help you to inspect, repair, or remove any insulation that has been water-damaged. Contact us or call 513.353.4100 today to learn more.
