Wet Cellulose Insulation In Attic

Loss of insulating value.

Wet cellulose insulation in attic. Thanks to its borate treatment mold will not form on cellulose insulation. Cellulose can settle by up to 20 meaning more insulation will need to be added at a later date. But mold will form on wood studs and drywall in contact with wet cellulose. If cellulose becomes wet it absorbs up to 130 water making it a possible weight problem over your head as well as a mold mildew problem.

Have them repaired or replaced if needed. If only a small area has gotten wet it may be easy to remove the damp fibers and let them dry for several days before reinstalling them. Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.

What to do with wet cellulose insulation. Or attic staircase hatches. Loose fill cellulose is relatively inexpensive yet still has an r value of about 3 5 per inch of thickness compared to fiberglass r value between r3 to r4 per inch. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace.

Before even calling any insulation companies have your attic checked by an hvac professional for loose torn damaged or old air ducts. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways. Related to this we have seen some cellulose contactors still using small cans of spray polyurethane insulation to air seal new homes.

In this unfortunate journey i have learned a lot about cellulose insulation and insulation installers. 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. Cellulose insulation and mold. In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal.

The study also concluded wet blown cellulose is not an effective air barrier. With respect to wood moisture the study reported sections of the frame adjacent to the dry insulation showed normal absorption. Cellulose provides an r value of approximately 3 5 per inch. Here are some tips and precautions that should be taken.

When walls are already finished injecting loose fill cellulose insulation is one of the few ways of adding. But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations. If you hire a pro they use wet spray cellulose which adds a small amount of water to help control the dust and to slightly increase the insulation value per inch. If you discover wet cellulose insulation in your attic walls or crawlspace you have a few options for dealing with the problem.

Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. Coping with wet insulation.