Wet Cellulose Insulation In Attic

Cellulose can settle by up to 20 meaning more insulation will need to be added at a later date.

Wet cellulose insulation in attic.

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. Before even calling any insulation companies have your attic checked by an hvac professional for loose torn damaged or old air ducts. Related to this we have seen some cellulose contactors still using small cans of spray polyurethane insulation to air seal new homes.

Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. 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. Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. I love the ability of cellulose to control air movement.

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. What to do with wet cellulose insulation. 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. Or attic staircase hatches.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation. Coping with wet 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 discover wet cellulose insulation in your attic walls or crawlspace you have a few options for dealing with the problem. Or whole house fans. Let the insulation dry out. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace.

But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations. In this unfortunate journey i have learned a lot about cellulose insulation and insulation installers. Have them repaired or replaced if needed. But mold will form on wood studs and drywall in contact with wet cellulose.

With respect to wood moisture the study reported sections of the frame adjacent to the dry insulation showed normal absorption. In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal. 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. Loss of insulating value.

Cellulose insulation and mold. 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.