Remove Wet Insulation

There are several ways in which insulation in the home can have a negative impact on one's health. Insulation can make you ill in a variety of ways, most commonly by triggering allergies or the flu in some people. Insulation that has been improperly installed or hung, or simply using the wrong material in the wrong space, which is referred to as improper installation, could be the source of the problem.

What is causing the moisture in my crawl space insulation?

The problem is that we now know that open crawl space vents actually allow in more moisture by causing condensation when warm outside air collides with cool inside air, which occurs when warm outside air meets cool inside air.

Will wet insulation be able to dry?

Glassfiber insulation is made up of strands of glass fiber that, when wet, loses some of their thermal resistance for a short time. When allowed to dry out and not become compacted, it will retain its insulating properties, however. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will typically not dry out as quickly as dry insulation in an open wall cavity.

How do you get wet insulation out of a house?

You should try to dry out your insulation if at all possible. With the help of a fan or a dehumidifier, wet insulation in the attic can be dried out. In some attics, you may be able to remove the wet batts and store them in a warm area until they are completely dry. After a few weeks, you'll need to check on the insulation's condition.

Is it necessary to remove the insulation from my crawl space?

Yes. Especially if it is causing moisture to accumulate, it should be removed and replaced with proper crawl space insulation.

Is it necessary to replace the insulation in your crawl space on a regular basis?

Unless damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years in most houses before it needs to be replaced. However, insulation can begin to fall from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts more than a decade ago, it may be time to have it inspected or have your home evaluated for energy efficiency improvements.