My Attic Insulation Is Wet

Be sure to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage to your home.

My attic insulation is wet.

If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab there are many remedial actions which may help. You ll need to replace it all. My cellulose insulation is wet. If insulation becomes moist or damp its rendered useless.

Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and rusting of steel studs and wall ties which reduce wind uplift ratings. Water in your attic can damage wood beams insulation and even. When your cellulose insulation gets wet you need to sit up and pay attention. It is important to stop air leaks because a heated house is much like a chimney.

A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective. Moisture trapped inside of insulation is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source. These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts.

Issues such as blocked vents a leaking roof or even basement flooding can cause attic insulation to get wet. It will need to be replaced immediately as it will lose its effectiveness to keep your home comfortable. If you believe moisture is a problem in your attic go and inspect it for signs of mold and mildew. Water is insulation s enemy.

Carefully watch your insulation for the next couple of weeks. Box out light fixtures. A roof timbers within an attic can become damp from two sources. If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries out over time.

Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the building itself. If it starts to have a funny smell it s a sign that the water that contaminated the insulation was dirty. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.

Small black and or greenish colored dots on insulation boxes or other materials is a sign of an exceedingly high moisture content in the air. Once this is done the existing ventilation is usually more than enough to keep the attic dry.