Wet Insulation? 2 Effective Methods Experts Use To Help

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to handle your water restoration disaster!

The water damage professionals at SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help when you discover wet insulation in your home!

If you've ever experienced a flood in your home, you know just how devastating it can be. Not only is your property damaged, but often your possessions as well. One of the less apparent consequences of flooding is water damage to your insulation. 

If wet insulation isn't dried out or replaced, it can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold growth. If your home has been flooded, particularly from a roof leak, be sure to inspect your insulation for signs of water damage. Soggy insulation needs to be replaced immediately, while a drying strategy can take care of damp insulation.

This article will discuss the dangers of wet insulation and what you can do when you discover wet insulation on your property.

Risks from wet insulation

When wet insulation is not dried out or replaced, it can lead to several risks, including:

• Mold growth: One of the most severe risks associated with wet insulation is mold growth. 
• Damage to your home: If wet insulation isn't dried out or replaced, it can lead to damage to your home's structure, including damage to the roof, walls, and foundation.
• Reduced energy efficiency: Wet insulation can also lead to a decrease in your home's energy efficiency, meaning you may see an increase in your monthly energy bills.

Wet insulation is more common than you think.

If you think this sounds like an exaggeration, consider the following: 

1. Flooding is one of the most common causes of water damage.
2. Wet insulation often goes undetected until it's too late because no visible signs appear on its surface.
3. Wet insulation can lead to water running behind walls and ceilings, where its presence may go unnoticed for days or weeks before anyone realizes anything is wrong. Worse yet, little black spots can appear on the ceiling or walls when you have wet insulation. 

Address wet insulation needs as soon as possible to prevent wet insulation from ruining your home. If you have wet insulation, contact water damage professionals; they can either dry it out or remove it and replace it with new insulation.

2 ways experts deal with wet insulation

If you have wet insulation, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Experts do this one one two ways:

Drying out your wet insulation

Experts can use a commercial dehumidifier, fans, or a wet/dry vacuum. These are the best tools for drying out wet insulation, as they will remove the moisture from the air and insulation quickly and efficiently. However, for soggy insulation, this might not be enough.

Removing and replacing your wet insulation

If the wet insulation can't be dried out, it needs to be replaced; experts can remove the wet insulation and replace it with new insulation. There are a few different ways that professionals can do this, depending on the situation:

• Blow-in insulation: This is a popular option for replacing wet insulation. Blow-in insulation is a type of insulation that is installed by blowing it into the wall or attic space. It's quick and easy to install, and it can help restore your home's energy efficiency.
• Spray foam insulation: Another option for replacing wet insulation is spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is applied using a spraying gun, and it quickly seals the cracks and holes in your home's exterior. It's an effective way to prevent moisture from entering your home.
• Batt insulation: This is the traditional type of insulation installed between the studs in your walls. It's a good option for wet insulation, as water damage professionals can quickly install it.

Let the experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda help with your wet insulation!

Wet insulation is more common than you think. Flooding can lead to wet and soggy insulation, which often goes undetected until it's too late because no visible signs appear on its surface.

Wet insulation has a variety of risks associated with it, including mold growth and damage to your home's structure if not dried out or replaced.

Luckily there are professionals who specialize in wet insulation that can help! For help with your wet insulation, contact water damage experts like SERVPRO of North Bethesda today so they may dry it out or remove the wet material for replacement. You'll be happy you did when these experts make your property "Like it never even happened."