Wet Cellulose Insulation In Attic

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.

Wet cellulose insulation in attic.

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. 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.

Before even calling any insulation companies have your attic checked by an hvac professional for loose torn damaged or old air ducts. I love the ability of cellulose to control air movement. The study also concluded wet blown cellulose is not an effective air barrier. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.

Have them repaired or replaced if needed. 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. Thanks to its borate treatment mold will not form on cellulose insulation. In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal.

Or attic staircase hatches. Or whole house fans. 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.

Let the insulation dry out. What to do with wet cellulose insulation. Cellulose can settle by up to 20 meaning more insulation will need to be added at a later date. Cellulose insulation and mold.

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. 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. In this unfortunate journey i have learned a lot about cellulose insulation and insulation installers.

Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace. But mold will form on wood studs and drywall in contact with wet cellulose. 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. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.

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