What to do if Home Insulation gets Wet
How to Dry Out Insulation
In mild cases, insulation will usually dry out on its own in just a few days, and can be helped along with an open window or door (as long as it’s dry outside!). However, more severe cases will have to be more closely monitored. When you first notice that the insulating material is wet, it’s important to start drying it out as soon as possible. This will prevent mold from developing and help the materials last longer. You can contact a local insulation installer for help and advice- they can come to your home for an inspection and advise you on next steps. In some instances, it may be safest for your health to simply replace your insulation before mold and mildew develop. In other cases, they may be able to provide waterproofing solutions that can help ensure your home doesn’t run into the same water damage problems in the future. If you want to find an Insulation Contractor in Mounds View MN, reach out to our insulation experts at Century Insulation today.
Odor Caused by Wet Insulation
You may be wondering how you can even tell if your home insulation got wet after a storm, or from some other form of water damage. One way is through scent. Wet insulation will have a distinct odor that you can easily identify. It smells like wet cardboard or paper, and is usually accompanied by a musty odor. Some insulation types are waterproof or at least water resistant, making this less likely, but still possible depending on how severe your water damage is.
The Dangers of Improperly Drying Out Wet Insulation
Wet insulation is dangerous and can be extremely hazardous to your health. It’s important to know what to do if you find out that your home has been damaged by water and the insulation is wet. Mold and mildew growth can cause allergies and respiratory problems in mild cases, and migraines and other more serious health concerns in prolonged exposure cases. Worse, the insulation can become a breeding ground for insects. The best way to handle completely saturated insulation is to remove it completely and replace it with new material. However, if the water damage is minor and you can save some of the material, the next step is to dry it out. The best way to do this is with a dehumidifier, and you can even open a couple windows or doors if it isn’t still wet outside.
Prevent Flooding and Freeze Damage in Your Attic
The easiest way to avoid water damage to your home’s insulation is through preventative maintenance. This means keeping your roof and gutters in good repair and making sure that you have an adequate drainage system in place. You should also check your attic’s insulation every year for signs of damage or decay, and replace any damaged material as soon as possible. Mold and other damaging conditions can spread from one infected piece of insulation to another if not somehow treated.
Address the Cause of the Wetness
If you have an attic that is constantly wet, there may be a problem with the roof. This could be due to poor ventilation, leaks or other issues. High levels of humidity can trap moisture in the upper levels of your home with no way to escape —and the result is often mold. You should have your attic inspected by a professional if you suspect that there is a problem with the roof. If the problem is due to leaks, you may need to have some repairs made. This can be very expensive and time-consuming, but it is necessary if you want to prevent mold from returning.
At Century Insulation, our goal is to keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. We offer services in Fiberglass Insulation, Cellulose Insulation, Spray Foam Insulation, Attic Insulation, Waterproofing, Energy Insulation Rebates, and more! Have a question about our services? Check out our FAQ page to find an answer, or contact us for more help. Our experts provide insulation services all throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Check below for a full list of locations we service!
We offer our expert insulation services in the following cities in Minnesota:
Minneapolis| Roseville| St Paul| Coon Rapids| Brooklyn Park| Minnetonka| Edina| Woodbury| Lakeville| Eden Prairie| Fridley| Maplewood| Shoreview| Arden Hills| Mounds View| Maple Grove| Shakopee| Chanhassen| Rogers| Plymouth| Golden Valley| Victoria| Champlin| Chaska| Prior Lake| Savage| Hopkins| Andover| St Louis Park| New Brighton| Apple Valley| Burnsville| Ramsey| Anoka| Crystal| Ham Lake| Bloomington | Blaine| New Hope| Richfield| Spring Lake Park| Columbia Heights| Brooklyn Center| Eagan| Little Canada| Mendota Heights| Oakdale| Vadnais Heights| White Bear Lake| Stillwater| Centerville| Falcon Heights| Forest Lake| Gem Lake| Hugo| Lino Lakes| Lauderdale| Mahtomedi| North Oaks| Wyoming| Hudson| Lake Elmo| Grant| Bayport| Newport| Pine Springs| Inver Grove Heights| Rosemount| Orno| St Cloud| Brooklyn Park| St Michael| St Anthony| Hastings