Will Wet Attic Insulation Dry Out

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value.

Will wet attic insulation dry out.

When fiberglass insulation gets wet water droplets displace the air in the spaces between the fine glass fibers which greatly reduces the material s thermal and acoustic. Wet insulation in a wall will migrate to the bottom soaking the wallboard and framing materials. How to dry out a wet attic. If you discover wet cellulose insulation in your attic walls or crawlspace you have a few options for dealing with the problem.

Water in your attic can damage wood. A dehumidifier will cease to remove any more moisture once its storage tank becomes full. 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. A dehumidifier could be the perfect solution for drying out the air in your attic.

Isocyanurate in certain cases can be exposed to dry out and put back in place. To help fiberglass insulation dry out place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. Open the windows at the first sign of moisture and use fans to help speed drying. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.

Whether a leak requires a 300 repair or a 10 000 repair has a lot to do with the type of insulation. Loss of insulating value. If possible remove the affected batts and transfer them to a warm place to dry. Once dry return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from.

After all water is a conductor so wet fiberglass insulation is about as effective as no insulation at all. How to dry out an attic. What to do with wet cellulose insulation. Let the insulation dry out.

Drying out a wet attic. Be sure however to drain it frequently in order to sustain its usefulness. Small black and or greenish colored dots on insulation boxes or other materials is a sign of an exceedingly high moisture content in the air. Though attics are typically hot and dry a leaky roof or pipe condensation or severe weather can cause water to enter your attic.

Wood fiber insulation for example can soak up surrounding water and compromise a wide area of a roof. You can also check for condensation on the windows or a mildew like odor within the space. How different types of insulation handle water. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.

You can also identify moisture problems in the attic by the formation of condensation on windows and glass surfaces.