Your home’s exterior needs the insulation to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Sometimes moisture may make its way to your home’s insulation and cause damage. In today’s post, the residential roofing contractors at Bone Dry Roofing discuss why wet insulation is bad for your home, and how you can keep it dry.
Moisture and Insulation Don’t Mix
There are different types of insulation used in different parts of the house. Exterior walls are typically filled with fiberglass wool, which comes in blanket-like rolls. Expanding foam or cellulose (recycled paper) can be installed under the roof deck, while loose-laid fiberglass wool can be installed on the attic floor. Most types of insulation are very moisture-absorbent. When in contact with water, they form clumps or fall apart and lose their efficiency later.
How Can Insulation Get Wet?
Water infiltration can cause damage to parts of your home, insulation among them. This is one of the reasons why homeowners need to tend to roof repairs and gutter replacement when needed. The following are some of the ways insulation can get wet:
Air gaps — Small gaps in the siding or between window frames and casing can let moisture enter the cavities in the wall framing where insulation is installed. Moisture damage to wall insulation is not readily observable, and is typically only noticeable through signs like heat loss and drafts.
Condensation — Insulation in the exterior walls need a vapor barrier. Otherwise, high indoor humidity levels can result in condensation, which can be readily absorbed by unprotected insulation. Trapped humidity in the attic can have a similar effect on attic insulation.
Roof leaks — Rainwater infiltration can make its way to the attic and wall insulation, and may even encourage mold growth.
Plumbing leaks — Old plumbing may develop leaks, which can soak into surrounding insulation, resulting in damage and mold growth.
Being aware of these causes can help you anticipate potential problems and know what to look for during routine maintenance. Roof and plumbing leaks can be fixed in a timely manner, while high indoor humidity can be controlled with proper ventilation and a dehumidifier. In case of moisture-damaged insulation, we are here to help.
Bone Dry Roofing is your leading provider of insulation and brick repair services. Call 877-BONE-DRY or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
