DIY Builds
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich Pexels Logo Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich

What happens when pink insulation gets wet?

Cellulose Insulation Therefore, when this becomes wet, it quickly deteriorates and is prone to mildew and mould. Insulation contractors in Mississauga and surrounding cities may be able to remove the affected insulation and dry it out, but this takes time.

What is the lowest pitch you can put on a metal roof?
What is the lowest pitch you can put on a metal roof?

The minimum slope for lapped, non-soldered seam metal roofs without applied lap sealant shall be three units vertical in 12 units horizontal...

Read More »
Do I need permission to install solar panels?
Do I need permission to install solar panels?

You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a solar panel when any of the...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

What Happens When Insulation Gets Wet?

TIPS FROM YOUR LOCAL INSULATION CONTRACTORS IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO

Plentiful rain is what makes our area of Canada so plush and beautiful in spring and summer. The winter wonderland is just as beautiful too. However, with all the rain, melting snow and ice come a few key concerns. For starters, too much moisture inside your property can affect your paint, carpeting, and even the insulation inside your home. If your home’s insulation becomes wet, you may find yourself in a panic. After all, the last thing you want is mould or mildew growth behind those walls. Luckily, not all wet insulation requires removal. Instead, it depends on the type of insulation you have, and the calibre of insulation contractors in the Kitchener-Waterloo area handling your insulation needs.

How Insulation Contractors Determine if You Need an Insulation Removal and Replacement

Dampened insulation does not always mean an entire makeover and associated costs. The faster you respond to the situation, the better. Also, depending on the type of insulation you have inside your home, you may walk away without a major repair and replacement issue on hand. Regardless of the kind of insulation, do remember that you need to correct whatever flaw is allowing your home’s insulation to get wet. Even if you do not need to replace your existing insulation, failing to repair the leak will ultimately cause more harm and end up costing you more than necessary.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation using a closed-cell spray has an air-tight seal and moisture barrier built into the product. The water will appear on the outside of the insulation, indicating you have a leak, but has not penetrated the insulation itself. Wipe up the water from the surface and find the source of the leak.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fibreglass insulation is a combination of water and recycled glass; therefore, it does not absorb water either. When water accumulates in air pockets of the insulation, the functionality does decrease. This is because water conducts heat. Therefore, the warm air of your home pressed into the insulation quickly carries out of the house.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation, while eco-friendly, is made from plant fibres and recycled paper materials (typically newspaper). Therefore, when this becomes wet, it quickly deteriorates and is prone to mildew and mould. Insulation contractors in Mississauga and surrounding cities may be able to remove the affected insulation and dry it out, but this takes time. In most cases, removing the affected pieces and replacing them with fresh, dry insulation is best.

Cotton Insulation

Cotton insulation requires a full replacement. As a plant fibre, it soaks up water and eventually leads to drastic mould and mildew growth.

Foam Board Insulation

Foam board insulation works like spray foam; therefore, it is impermeable to water and should not host mould or mildew. However, check to ensure the board dries properly or dry it yourself to prevent the mould and mildew from forming on neighbouring structures that are not impermeable, such as drywall. Your home’s insulation is critical. If you are curious about water damage to your home’s insulation or you know you need removal, contact the professionals from Reitzel Insulation today. Reitzel Insulation serves the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area, and we are here to help you with your insulation concerns. If you need to schedule an insulation removal or have your insulation inspected, contact our team at 226-241-9991. You can also reach us by filling out this online contact form.

GET A FREE QUOTE

How do you insulate floor joists in a shed?
How do you insulate floor joists in a shed?

Here's how: Remove the flooring of your shed. Put wood blocks under each joist cavity. Each joist cavity should have at least two support blocks....

Read More »
Where do you start when building a Barndominium?
Where do you start when building a Barndominium?

Pour the Foundation It is also the first thing you need to take care of when you think of where to start when building a barndominium. Pouring the...

Read More »

What does it mean when pink insulation turned black?

Black Spots on Insulation caused by Air Leakage Particulates released by combustion appliances, such as wood stoves, boilers, furnaces, diesel heaters or auto exhaust, can produce very fine soot that can build up over time in insulation. Tobacco smoke can also contribute.

Experts suggest doing an annual home inspection for routine changes and maintenance because with Ontario’s continually changing weather, your home is at risk from a multitude of factors. With the higher humidity of Southern Ontario, like in Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga, or Hamilton, mould is a concern and you might need to consider having your insulation removed or replaced. If you see blackspots on your attic insulation mould can’t be ruled out, but it is possible that there’s another cause. Air leakage from inside the house through the walls and ceilings can produce some pretty dramatic localized black spots in fiberglass batts. Typically, fiberglass batting isn’t good at stopping air leakage, but it does act as a very effective filter material for airborne dust particles. Dirty insulation is a phenomenon that is especially common in older, leaky houses. Air leakage through electrical outlets, wiring penetrations, gaps in the vapor retarder, and gaps around furnace ducting, chimney can cause dark streaks to appear on your insulation.

Are metal sheds more secure than wood?
Are metal sheds more secure than wood?

Provides Better Security In terms of security, steel sheds are able to provide increased protection against thieves. Unlike some wooden or quality...

Read More »
What is Soffiting?
What is Soffiting?

The underside of this overhang, when given a finished appearance, is known as the soffit, which means “something fixed underneath”. The soffit is...

Read More »
Is uPVC better than wood?
Is uPVC better than wood?

Contrary to wooden windows, uPVC windows are weather resistant. They do not rot, warp or fade and once installed they will last you for decades....

Read More »
What is the best color for a shed?
What is the best color for a shed?

Green. If you're searching for a shed paint color that will complement your landscape, our experts say green is the way to go. "Green is a classic...

Read More »