Can Insulation Get Moldy?

When insulation gets wet, it can cause problems. A leading problem is mold, which you don’t want to have in your home, as it’s associated with breathing problems. However, whether moisture is a problem or not is highly dependent on what kind of insulation you have. Some insulation types are more absorbent than others.

The fact is that bringing in a reliable insulation contractor in Sacramento, CA is a good move to ensure that your insulation passes the test. If it doesn’t, mold could become a problem in your home or business. Let’s look at the different types of insulation and how they respond to water:

  • Spray foam: When this kind of insulation gets wet, it isn’t a major problem due to its airtight seal and moisture barrier. Simply take a towel, dry it off and you should be good to go. However, the presence of moisture does mean you probably have a leak somewhere, so you’ll want to look into that to avoid problems over the long term.
  • Cellulose: This is an environmentally friendly insulation option made mostly of recycled newspaper. However, when it gets wet, problems are going to ensue. A significant leak can cause widespread mold and mildew damage. This takes place very quickly and can require an entire insulation removal.
  • Fiberglass: This popular option is made from recycled glass and water. That means the moisture won’t be absorbed into the insulation. But water accumulating in the insulation’s air pockets can spell trouble. The insulation won’t be as effective as it once was. Using a dehumidifier is a good start toward resolving this problem. In some cases, when the insulation is dirty, it may need to be completely removed to solve the problem.
  • Cotton: This is similar to cellulose in that it will absorb water. If you catch the problem early on, you can remove individual pieces of cotton insulation. But if the problem happens repeatedly or isn’t caught for a while, it’s liable to be a prime spot for mold growth. In these cases, complete replacement may be necessary.
  • Foam board: This is just like spray foam insulation and water won’t seep into it. Again, you’ll want to check for leaks in the home and make sure that water isn’t getting into the walls, floorboards, etc.

Are you looking for an insulation contractor in Sacramento, CA that provides transparent, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service? This is where 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. has surpassed the competition for more than 20 years. Our dedicated team of residential and commercial insulation contractors has served the region, earning a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work every time.

We’re a full-service, locally owned and operated contractor and offer a wide variety of services to all our customers, including the installation of a vast range of insulation materials. Our company has been recognized with an Angie’s List Super Service Award for six years and counting. Contact us today for a free quote—we look forward to working with you soon!

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