Homes serve the primary purpose of providing shelter. Insulation plays an important role in preventing energy loss from buildings. It saves the cost of heating and cooling while maintaining a comfortable environment. With awareness of how different choices impact the environment, more homeowners are particular about having energy-efficient homes.
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The insulation is chosen for a building based on the place's climate, the inhabitants' needs, and the homeowner's budget. Insulation in a building affected by water damage can become ineffective. This article by Be Happy Restoration Services explains how water damage affects insulation. Be Happy Restoration Services in Mesquite, TX, offers construction and restoration services, including water damage mitigation and mold remediation services.
What Does Insulation Do?
Insulation provides resistance to the heat flow from a building. So, it helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. When the insulation is functioning well, the home interiors are more comfortable. Usually, insulation slows heat flow that occurs by conduction and convection. The R-value of insulation material is its resistance to conductive heat flow. It is also called the thermal resistance of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.
Common Types of Insulation
Fiberglass Insulation - can be installed easily and is available in the form of rolls and batts. It works well in humid places because its moisture resistance is high. It also helps increase the safety of the building as it is resistant to fire and heat to a certain extent. Fiberglass insulation is also an environmentally friendly option as the material is renewable.
Cellulose insulation - is an environmentally friendly choice made of recycled cardboard and paper. Cellulose can be installed dry or wet. Before installation, cellulose material is treated with boric acid. While cellulose is cheaper than fiberglass, installation costs are higher. The treatment with boric acid protects cellulose from insects to a certain extent. It also has some resistance to fire and mold.
Spray Foam Insulation - is material sprayed onto gaps or crevices that need to be sealed. The sprayed chemical hardens into a water-resistant material that provides an airtight seal. Spray foam insulation resists mold growth and can last longer than cellulose or fiberglass when installed properly. It also retains a high R-value for a long time.
How Is Insulation Exposed To Water Damage?
- Leaking pipes
- Overhead dripping
- Air gaps and Condensation
How Does Water Damage Affect Insulation?
- The Insulating Property Gets Compromised
When cellulose or fiberglass insulation is exposed to water, the materials can have an airflow collapse. This affects the efficacy of their insulation. Water damage reduces the R-value of insulation.
- A Rise in Energy Bills
When insulation is wet, its efficacy is less and energy loss is more. When insulation is inefficient, heated air moves out of the house in winter, and cool air moves out in summer. This leads to more use of the heater or air conditioner. Wet insulation may also conduct electricity.
- Mold
Once the insulation is damp, it is ideal for mold growth. Mold spores from damp insulation can spread easily to other building parts like ceilings, drywall, wooden structures, etc. The air quality of the building becomes poor when mold is present.
- Off-gassing
Insulation made of fiberglass contains formaldehyde. This chemical is released in vapor form when the insulation is wet. Off-gassing can damage parts of the roof and lead to bolts and studs rust.
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When insulation gets wet, the moisture can spread to other parts and cause mold growth. If water damage to insulation is suspected, water damage restoration should be done. Be Happy Restoration Services in Mesquite, TX, provides water damage mitigation and mold remediation services. This company has expertise in building and construction and can handle the water damage restoration of insulation and other building materials. Be Happy Restoration Services can be booked for water damage restoration by calling (214)616-9951 or emailing jesseh@behappyrestorationservices.com.
