Will Wet Attic Insulation Dry Out

If necessary use a dehumidifier.

Will wet attic insulation dry out.

To help fiberglass insulation dry out place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. Wet insulation in a wall will migrate to the bottom soaking the wallboard and framing materials. If it s in your attic or your crawl space placing a dehumidifier or a fan in the area will help to dry it out. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.

Moisture in the attic is relatively easy for homeowners to identify as it s usually. Be sure however to drain it frequently in order to sustain its usefulness. If possible remove the affected batts and transfer them to a warm place to dry. Left untreated attic moisture contributes to mold and bacteria growth in the home.

However if it can dry out and has not become compacted it will retain its insulating properties. There are many signs that an attic is wet. Drying out a wet attic. What to do about a wet attic.

After all water is a conductor so wet fiberglass insulation is about as effective as no insulation at all. If you can lift out the batts that are affected and move them to a warm dry area to dry being careful to wear gloves protective clothing eyewear and a mask so that you don t inhale the fibers. Identifying moisture in the attic. Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and rusting of steel studs and wall ties which reduce wind uplift ratings.

Try to help your insulation dry out. A dehumidifier will cease to remove any more moisture once its storage tank becomes full. A dehumidifier may be used to reduce moisture in the air. Soaked cellulose insulation will retain absorbed water for an extended time and resists drying.

If you can ensure good air sealing and insulation the attic will remain cool and dry as if it were outside. How to dry out a wet attic top causes of attic moisture. For example it is rare to see moisture problems or ice damming on the roof of a detached garage or unheated barn. Once dry return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from.

Prolonged wetness will rot out the roof sheathing. Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the building itself. Coping with wet insulation 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. To dry out a moist attic be sure to properly ventilate and insulate the space.

Inadequate ventilation attics must be vented to allow moist warm air to escape. During that time it will also degrade wooden structure and trigger attic mold growth.