Wet Cellulose Insulation In Attic

With respect to wood moisture the study reported sections of the frame adjacent to the dry insulation showed normal absorption.

Wet cellulose insulation in attic.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations. Coping with wet insulation. Thanks to its borate treatment mold will not form on cellulose insulation.

Here are some tips and precautions that should be taken. Cellulose insulation and mold. Or attic staircase hatches. I love the ability of cellulose to control air movement.

If you discover wet cellulose insulation in your attic walls or crawlspace you have a few options for dealing with the problem. The study also concluded wet blown cellulose is not an effective air barrier. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace. 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.

Or whole house fans. Before even calling any insulation companies have your attic checked by an hvac professional for loose torn damaged or old air ducts. 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.

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. But mold will form on wood studs and drywall in contact with wet cellulose. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. Cellulose provides an r value of approximately 3 5 per inch.

Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. Let the insulation dry out. Related to this we have seen some cellulose contactors still using small cans of spray polyurethane insulation to air seal new homes. Loss of insulating value.

When walls are already finished injecting loose fill cellulose insulation is one of the few ways of adding. Cellulose can settle by up to 20 meaning more insulation will need to be added at a later date. In this unfortunate journey i have learned a lot about cellulose insulation and insulation installers. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.

Have them repaired or replaced if needed. 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.