The Problems of Moist Insulation
Cellulose insulation is one of the most common forms of insulation, found in most homes in West Hollywood and in other parts of the country. It is a loose-fill product that is usually made of recycled paper. It is treated with chemicals to make it fire-retardant and insect-proof. Cellulose also stands up well to humid conditions, therefore, making it the perfect choice for homes in California.
Your cellulose insulation might perform well, till a broken pipe or roof leak dampens it. This might happen anywhere in your home – in your walls, attic or crawlspace. But when it does happen you would need to act fast and in a smart way. You can get in touch with West Hollywood insulation contractors and they would help you deal with the problem in an effective way. However, you should know what are different things that need to be done in case of such an issue.
Cellulose fibers are not waterproof. So, they would not be able to hold against water much longer. So, the first thing that you need to do is to act fast and in a decisive manner. To do that, you would first need to know the damage moisture can do.
Why is Moisture Bad for Your Cellulose Insulation?
People might take this issue light. After all, it is just water, right? Well, you would be making a mistake if you think that. Moisture, even in small amounts can cause some damage. Here are two of the biggest effects of moist insulation.
Mold Growth: Mold normally doesn’t grow on cellulose insulation as it is treated by chemicals. However, if the wet insulation is in touch with studs and drywall (which they almost always are), then that might promote growth on the studs and drywall. It only takes a few days. Mold growth not only looks nasty, but they can have serious effect on your health
Efficiency Goes Down: The main advantage of cellulose is that it is fluffy and that causes it to fit nicely and also trap air which increases its efficiency. However, moisture causes it to sag and that would have a detrimental effect on the way it functions.
How to Deal with the Problem of Moisture?
There are a few things that need to be done in such cases. If they are done well, then you would be able to solve the issue.
Fix the Leak: The first thing that you would need to do is fix the leak so that more water can’t get in. This would stop your insulation from getting more wet.
Dry it Out: If a small area has got wet, then you can remove the damp fibers and let them dry completely. This might take several days. Even if the spread of moisture is significant, you might be able to dry it out completely. Speak to your insulation company to know more.
Go for Insulation Replacement: If you can’t rescue your insulation, then there is no point in keeping it. The best option would be to go for insulation replacement. You can easily get in touch with a contactor for insulation replacement in West Hollywood. So, as you can see, if your insulation gets moist, you need to act fast and act smart. Get the expertise from the right West Hollywood insulation contractors and ensure consistent levels of insulation.
