Wet Insulation In The Attic

Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic.

Wet insulation in the attic.

What to do about a wet attic. Prolonged wetness will rot out the roof sheathing. For example it is rare to see moisture problems or ice damming on the roof of a detached garage or unheated barn. When a leak allows water to seep in through.

Wet insulation is bad for your roof your building and its occupants. If you choose to install cellulose yourself you can buy the insulation in bags from your local home improvement store. Cellulose recycled ground up paper with boric acid added for insect control and fire resistance offers a better attic insulation option than batts. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

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. Loss of insulating value. If you can ensure good air sealing and insulation the attic will remain cool and dry as if it were outside. You can replace the insulation after the attic is dry.

Wet insulation is inefficient but more immediately it can be a hidden risk. 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. Drying out a wet attic. You can also identify moisture problems in the attic by the formation of condensation on windows and glass surfaces.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. Put on protective gear such as gloves safety goggles and a breathing mask to remove wet insulation and discard it in the trash. Coping with wet insulation.

Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane. 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. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. There are many signs that an attic is wet. Pros and cons of cellulose attic insulation.