AnswersDriveCellulose insulation is paper based, but it is also treated with chemicals (borates) that suppress mold growth. Fiberglass does not support mold growth, but it gets dirty, and the dirt grows mold, and it is often paper faced and this paper grows mold.
Likewise, what happens to foam when it gets wet?
Open cell spray foam insulation will still dry completely after getting wet. In addition, because spray foam is not a “food” for mold, there is little danger of mold becoming a problem even if it gets wet. Closed cell foams also do not absorb water, which is very beneficial in flooding zones.
Is cellulose insulation waterproof?
Cellulose Insulation & Water Damage. Blow-in cellulose insulation is manufactured from recycled newspaper and treated with borate to render it fireproof and insect-proof. It's not waterproof, but that's usually not a problem unless the roof leaks, a pipe bursts behind a wall or a levee is breached during flood season.
1
What happens when the roof insulation gets wet?
Glassfiber insulation is made from strands of glass fiber and temporarily loses its thermal resistance when it gets wet. However, if it can dry out and has not become compacted, it will retain its insulating properties. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.
2
Is Fiberglass Insulation mold resistant?
Fiberglass, a non-biodegradable substance is resistant to mold. With its sharp, ground glass, mold spores puncture before they can attach to it. Mold can grow on the fiberglass insulation backing, which is made of paper and is a mold food source. Fiberglass insulation without backing may be the best choice.
3
Can a leaking ceiling cause mold?
Ceiling Water Leak. A ceiling water leak is often, but not always, caused by a leak in the roof of a house. Once mold begins to grow because of a water leak, you may end up needing to remove and replace insulation, drywall, ceiling tiles and other materials because they are difficult or impossible to clean.
4
Can mold grow on concrete floors?
Therefore, unless the concrete is kept extremely clean, mold growth can occur. Of course, even if the concrete is covered in dust, mold will not grow without sufficient moisture. This includes tackling both airborne moisture (lowering the humidity) and liquid moisture (flooding, vapor drive).
5
Can mold grow on wood?
But mold and mildew can, and does, grow on treated lumber. The mold and mildew spores are just about everywhere. They're on the wood surfaces or can be transported there by wind and rain. Once in place, all they need is water to start growing and flourishing.
6
What is the best way to insulate a basement?
The best way to insulate the interior side of a basement wall is with foam insulation that is adhered to or sprayed directly on the concrete. Any of the following insulation materials are acceptable for this purpose: closed-cell spray polyurethane foam or either XPS, EPS, or polyisocyanurate rigid foam.
7
Is the insulation in my attic asbestos?
Risk of Exposure to Asbestos If You Have Vermiculite Insulation. Asbestos causes cancer and other diseases. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. If you do not go into your attic, handle, or disturb the insulation, it is likely that you will not be exposed to asbestos fibers from vermiculite insulation.
8
Can you save wet drywall?
While drywall is pretty sturdy, when it's exposed to water for too long it can get damaged. Depending on what category of water drywall is exposed to, and how wet it got, you may be able to save it. Speed is critical to avoiding mold damage, though. FIRST – You'll first want to check your drywall for moisture.
9
What is wet cellulose insulation?
They can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose insulation is sold in bags. 2) Wet cell spray cellulose is mixed with a bonding agent and sprayed into the cavity where it sticks to the walls without the netting required for dry blown cellulose.
10
What is in walls?
A wall is a structure that defines an area, carries a load, or provides shelter or security. There are many kinds of walls: Defensive walls in fortifications. Walls in buildings that form a fundamental part of the superstructure or separate interior sections, sometimes for fire safety.
11
What is cellulose insulation made out of?
Cellulose is composed of 75-85% recycled paper fiber, usually post-consumer waste newsprint. The other 15% is a fire retardant such as boric acid or ammonium sulphate. Cellulose has the highest recycled content of any insulation available. For example, fiberglass has a maximum amount of 50% recycled content.
12
Is cellulose insulation harmful?
Conscious or unconscious eating of cellulose insulation could result in death because of its highly poisonous chemical additives (i.e. borates and boric acid). Deadly toxins can also get into your body though a cut or lesion on the skin. Symptoms of poisoning include severe abdominal pain and inflammation of the skin.
13
What is the R value of blown in cellulose insulation?
Fiber glass insulation typically contains 20% to 30% recycled glass1. The R-value of loose fill cellulose is R-3.2 to 3.8 per inch2. Loose fill fiberglass has an R-value of R-2.2 to 2.7 per inch3. Achieving the desired R-value depends on both the depth of the insulation and its density.
14
How many inches is r38?
The fiberglass comes in rolls, also known as batts, which vary in size. An R-38 fiberglass batt should be approximately 6 1/4 inches thick, while the thickness of cellulose insulation of a finished, fitted product will be around 12 inches.
15
How many inches of insulation is r60?
In temperate coastal areas such as Zone 3, attic insulation of at least R30 up to a maximum of R60 is recommended. For loose-fill cellulose, this translates to a total depth ranging from 8 inches up to 16 inches.
16
Can you put insulation on top of insulation?
According to ENERGY STAR®, you can put new insulation over old insulation, “unless it is wet. The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture. Any existing batt or roll insulation in the attic should have the facing against the attic drywall floor or no facing at all.
17
What is the highest insulation value?
Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in U.S. units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.
18
What is the best insulation for your attic?
If you don't have HVAC and ducts in the attic, spray foam on the roofline isn't really necessary. I'd blow insulation on the attic floor (after air-sealing, of course). The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. It's generally 3 to 4 times what you'll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.
19
How much insulation should you have in your attic?
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.