The Health and Structural Dangers of Wet Insulation

Insulation is a critical component in the construction of homes and buildings. Insulation materials, whether fiberglass, cellulose, or foam, are designed to trap air and reduce heat transfer. This trapped air helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, lowering energy consumption and enhancing comfort.

When insulation gets wet, its ability to trap air diminishes significantly, reducing its thermal resistance and making it less effective. Insulation can become wet during a plumbing leak, flooding, condensation build-up, or a roof leak.

Wet insulation takes a long time to dry—from days to even weeks, depending on the type of material—providing a conducive environment for mold growth and structural damage. Ensuring your insulation is dry ensures the health of your structure and its occupants.

Better World Builders works to help homeowners and building managers in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas understand the risks of wet insulation and the appropriate measures to identify and address moisture issues in their insulation.

Signs Your Insulation May Be Wet

Wet insulation can lead to numerous problems, so it is vital to identify it as soon as possible to minimize its detrimental impact.

Odd smells are one of the biggest indicators that your insulation may be wet. Smells from mold, mildew, and off-gassing typically occur before visual signs like ceiling sagging. Many clients have reported musty odors, animal urine scents, and chemical smells reminiscent of rubbing alcohol or ammonia.

Here are some other signs that your insulation might be wet, especially when more than one symptom is present:

• Increased Energy Bills
• Visible Mold
• Water Stains
• Pest Infestation
• Sagging Ceilings or Drywall
• Increased Allergic Reactions
• New or Worsened Respiratory Issues

Health Risks of Wet Insulation

Some of the most common health-related issues that can be caused by wet insulation include:

Mold and Mildew Outbreak

One of the most significant health risks of wet insulation is mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, and wet insulation provides the perfect breeding ground.

Spores can become airborne and circulate throughout the home, posing respiratory risks to occupants or can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. People with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these health issues.

Bacteria Exposure

Moisture in insulation can also lead to the growth of bacteria, which can cause various health problems. Bacterial contamination can result in unpleasant odors and further degrade indoor air quality, leading to respiratory infections, exasperated asthma symptoms, and other health concerns.

Off-Gassing

Insulation materials like fiberglass, polyurethane foam, and polystyrene release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), causing eye, nose, and throat irritation. Fiberglass, mineral, and wool insulation often contain formaldehyde, which off-gasses when wet or humid, leading to eye irritation, respiratory issues, and corrosion. Once formaldehyde off-gasses, it persists long- term, never fully dissipating from the air.

Structural Risks of Wet Insulation

Some of the most common structural issues that stem from wet insulation can include:

Reduced Insulating Properties

Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, leading to higher energy costs as heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain indoor temperatures. This increased energy consumption not only raises utility bills but also contributes to a less comfortable living environment.

Structural Damage

Insulation is placed along a building’s major structural points: the attic/roof, walls, and even the foundation. Wet insulation can lead to wood rot, rusting of metal components, and degradation of other building materials. Over time, this can compromise the stability of walls, floors, and ceilings, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.

Sagging and Settling

Wet insulation can become heavy and sag, pulling away from the surfaces it was meant to insulate. This sagging can create gaps and voids, further reducing the insulation’s effectiveness and leading to drafts and cold spots in the home.

Corrosion

If the wet insulation comes into contact with metal surfaces, such as pipes or HVAC ductwork, prolonged moisture exposure can lead to corrosion. This corrosion can weaken the metal, leading to leaks, system failures, and expensive repairs or replacements.

Get an Insulation Inspection

Regular inspections of your attic and insulation can help you catch issues early and maintain your home’s energy efficiency. Better World Builders performs insulation inspections to investigate signs of wet or inadequate insulation.

You should schedule an insulation inspection every few years as part of your home maintenance routine or if your home has any signs of wet insulation, like water stains, mold, or sagging ceilings.

Our home performance experts will conduct a thorough inspection of insulation levels in your attic, walls, rim joist, and foundation. We will also use infrared imaging to identify areas of concern that may be causing water intrusion or are weak points in your insulation.

Following our inspection, we will develop and share a customized Priority Action Plan Quote so you know what is wrong and the next—and best—steps to correct it. Generally, it will include details for the following:

1. Identify and Fix the Source of Water Intrusion
2. Remove Wet Insulation
3. Eliminate Any Remaining Moisture
4. Mold Remediation (if needed)
5. Replace Insulation

Call Better World Builders

Wet insulation poses significant health and structural dangers that should not be ignored. Mold growth, allergies, asthma, bacterial contamination, reduced energy efficiency, and structural damage are all serious consequences of moisture in insulation.

By understanding the causes, risks, and preventive measures, homeowners and building managers can take proactive steps to protect their properties and ensure a safe, healthy living environment. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and proper moisture management are key to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of insulation in any building.

An insulation inspection from Better World Builders can help locate wet insulation in key areas of a building, and the knowledge of our experts helps formulate an action plan to return your home to an improved version of itself.

If you suspect wet insulation in your Kalamazoo home or business, don’t hesitate to contact our home performance contractors at 269-383-7862 or go online to request service.