Replacing Wet Attic Insulation

If you re experiencing any of these issues and you re also planning a roof replacement it s a great time to seize the opportunity to lower your energy.

Replacing wet attic insulation.

Wet insulation is inefficient but more immediately it can be a hidden risk. Cotton insulation as again a plant fiber is prone to collecting moisture. And in the warmer months proper insulation and venting in the attic provides the thermal break necessary to keep all that warm air in the attic moving and out of your living space. Soaked cellulose insulation will retain absorbed water for an extended time and resists drying.

Coping with wet insulation. Mount a piece of extruded polystyrene 25 mm 1 inch from the sheathing to maintain the ventilation air space and fill between this board and the attic floor with good insulation. Loose fill insulation fibers are packaged in bags and blown in place to the desired depth and density using special. While most blown in insulation contains cellulose fibers if the house was built.

Blown foam is ideal as it air seals as well as insulates. Issues such as blocked vents a leaking roof or even basement flooding can cause attic insulation to get wet. When a roof leak leads to saturated insulation that insulation almost always needs to be replaced. It is more easy to dry out than cellulose insulation however and the same principles may be used when considering a wetted area of cotton insulation.

If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries. If a small area has been damaged it can be removed dried and replaced. Removing the old insulation. Choose your insulation type and material 1.

Cut pieces of extruded polystyrene will help as well. If insulation becomes moist or damp its rendered useless. How to replace the blown attic insulation with closed cell foam closed cell foam insulation. Because it requires professional installation closed cell foam insulation is pricey but.

Fiberglass batts will eventually dry if lifted up and exposed to warmth and sustained air circulation. However if active mold growth is evident. Wet insulation is bad for your roof your building and its occupants. Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane.