What Are the Effects of Water Damage on Insulation?
Water damage significantly impacts commercial and residential properties. Water damages wood, drywall, and even the insulation in a property’s walls and attic. Fortunately, property owners can schedule professional water damage restoration services to address this issue.
The team at Matrix Mitigation can review the way water damages insulation and review options to begin repairs immediately.
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Water Damage Reduces the Effectiveness of Insulation
Wet insulation does not inhibit the transfer of heat and dry insulation. Damp insulation loses around 40% of its overall effectiveness and no longer retains heat as it should. Problems arise with both common types of insulation: fiberglass and cellulose.
Fiberglass Insulation
Many people treat fiberglass as a waterproof material. Unfortunately, parts of the fiberglass readily absorb and retain moisture. The insulation becomes markedly less effective once water damage occurs.
Cellulose Loose-Fill Insulation
Companies make loose-fill insulation out of paper and cloth. Therefore, this form of insulation absorbs a lot of water. It grows less fluffy as it absorbs water, further reducing its ability to insulate a home or business and requiring water damage restoration services.
Wet Insulation Can Result in a Mold Outbreak
Mold outbreaks represent a significant cause for concern after water damage events like floods, pipe bursts, or roof leaks. The odds of a mold infestation increase when water soaks into the insulation, which naturally captures a lot of mold spores and other contaminants.
Once the mold spores become exposed to water, they spread and grow. Cellulose insulation usually receives a mold-resistant treatment during the manufacturing process. However, the material still traps water and moisture against other surfaces like the floor and walls.
Over time, mold may grow on these other surfaces, encouraged by the moisture contained in the cellulose insulation. In both situations, homeowners can minimize the odds of an outbreak by setting up fast water removal services.
Noticeable Effects of Insulation Water Damage
Many of the initial effects of water damage on insulation go unnoticed by property owners in the Auburn area. However, over time, many individuals report noticing:
- Brown stains on their walls or ceiling
- Parts of the ceiling or walls dipping down
- Bubbling or peeling wallpaper
- Damp and musty odors
These symptoms often indicate hidden water damage and mold growth, which may direct property owners to contact water damage and restoration specialists. Professionals can search through the property, looking for the origin of the damage and often identifying issues with insulation.
Ways to Handle Water Damage on Insulation
After a water damage event, getting professional help right away can minimize the damage to insulation and other surfaces in a home or business. Water cleanup companies use professional-grade equipment to remove water quickly.
Equipment may include dehumidifiers, fans, and pumps if there is a lot of sitting water. Crews also decontaminate all areas exposed to excess moisture to reduce the odds of a mold outbreak.
Matrix Mitigation provides around-the-clock services water removal and cleanup services. The company’s technicians apply their years of experience and training to take on commercial and residential repair jobs, including damaged insulation tasks.
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As a locally owned disaster restoration firm, they provide free estimates as quickly as possible and check to see mold growth, conduct mold removal, and conduct flood damage restoration with water removal and water cleanup.
Call Matrix Mitigation at (855) 541-1010 for help with water damage restoration in Auburn, GA.
