Mold Growth & Home Insulation
Nobody wants to have mold on the walls of their homes. It is very unpleasant, reeking, and can have harmful effects on your health. Whenever we notice surface mold or mildew, we instantly wipe it. However, what about the hidden mold that you cannot see? Can it be possible that mold is hiding behind the walls of our house? Mold could grow on your insulation if your home is not properly ventilated. Mold thrives in damp environments, such as those created by leaks or condensation in the walls. Spray Foam Insulation Near Me St Paul
How probable is it that something like that would happen in your home? Some insulations are more prone to mold growth than others are. Mold needs organic materials to eat and spread. This is why it does not grow on every type of material. However, keep in mind that if you have wet insulation, mold is not the only issue you will face. Wet insulation can cause many problems.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation amongst all. It is usually pink and soft like candy floss, and it is made in a similar way to it as well. Fiberglass is an old glass that is warmed up and reprocessed until it turns into a cloud-like material. We use this as the insulation material. The color pink is artificial. Although it is not natural, mold can grow on fiberglass insulation. This is because fiberglass can trap natural dust inside it, which is the food for mold. Moreover, fiberglass contains products used to make paper, which can be food for mold as well as a breeding ground for them.
Cellulose
Cellulose is also a common choice for insulation due to its low cost. It is made up of newspapers that are reprocessed. Old newspaper is cut into small pieces and chemically treated with borates. Borates aids in making it fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and mold-resistant. So, is it true that cellulose cannot grow mold because it has been treated to be mold resistant? Water or moisture does not mix well with cellulose. After all, it is made out of paper. Consider what happens to a soaked newspaper. Is it not true that the pages start to stick together and get clumpy?
The identical thing takes place with cellulose insulation. If it becomes wet from a leak in your walls, it will become clumpy, or it may also fall from your wall. The cellulose insulation has been treated to resist mold, but it is still in contact with your house’s timber studs. In addition, the wood is susceptible to mold. As a result, mold development inside your walls may be aided by the wetness of your cellulose insulation.
How to stop the growth of mold:
If the insulation is installed properly, it will help prevent mold growth. The favorable conditions for mold growth are:
- They need water to grow
- A natural substance to eat
- Above 50%of humidity level
Inside your walls, where you cannot see them, are all these pipes and ducts that supply your home with water and air conditioning. Warm air meets chilly air in this area, resulting in condensation. Mold can thrive in this environment because of the humidity and warmth inside your home. Now it only needs food. If we change the conditions, then mold will not grow.
Therefore, we can try to control the humidity levels in our homes. It is the simplest technique to alter the environment for mold growth to stop. Believe it or not, insulation can help you with that. Insulating your cold water pipes, which the EPA also recommends, will help in reducing moisture, and therefore, mold formation.
Contact us today if you’re in need of any insulation or air-sealing services for your home. At Century Insulation, we offer the best and most energy-efficient air-sealing and insulation installation services. Contact your local insulation contractors near St Paul MN today.