Wet Cellulose Insulation In Attic

Here are some tips and precautions that should be taken.

Wet cellulose insulation in attic.

Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. Related to this we have seen some cellulose contactors still using small cans of spray polyurethane insulation to air seal new homes. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation. But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations.

Cellulose provides an r value of approximately 3 5 per inch. Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. Have them repaired or replaced if needed. 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. Cellulose insulation and mold. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace. In this unfortunate journey i have learned a lot about cellulose insulation and insulation installers.

Or attic staircase hatches. Let the insulation dry out. What to do with wet cellulose insulation. When walls are already finished injecting loose fill cellulose insulation is one of the few ways of adding.

Or whole house fans. 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 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. Thanks to its borate treatment mold will not form on cellulose insulation.

Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics. 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. Before even calling any insulation companies have your attic checked by an hvac professional for loose torn damaged or old air ducts. With respect to wood moisture the study reported sections of the frame adjacent to the dry insulation showed normal absorption.

Loss of insulating value. 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. I love the ability of cellulose to control air movement. But mold will form on wood studs and drywall in contact with wet cellulose.

In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal. Cellulose can settle by up to 20 meaning more insulation will need to be added at a later date.