TIPS FROM YOUR LOCAL INSULATION CONTRACTORS IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO
Plentiful rain is what makes our area of Canada so plush and beautiful in spring and summer. The winter wonderland is just as beautiful too. However, with all the rain, melting snow and ice come a few key concerns. For starters, too much moisture inside your property can affect your paint, carpeting, and even the insulation inside your home.
If your home’s insulation becomes wet, you may find yourself in a panic. After all, the last thing you want is mould or mildew growth behind those walls. Luckily, not all wet insulation requires removal. Instead, it depends on the type of insulation you have, and the calibre of insulation contractors in the Kitchener-Waterloo area handling your insulation needs.
How Insulation Contractors Determine if You Need an Insulation Removal and Replacement
Dampened insulation does not always mean an entire makeover and associated costs. The faster you respond to the situation, the better. Also, depending on the type of insulation you have inside your home, you may walk away without a major repair and replacement issue on hand.
Regardless of the kind of insulation, do remember that you need to correct whatever flaw is allowing your home’s insulation to get wet. Even if you do not need to replace your existing insulation, failing to repair the leak will ultimately cause more harm and end up costing you more than necessary.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation using a closed-cell spray has an air-tight seal and moisture barrier built into the product. The water will appear on the outside of the insulation, indicating you have a leak, but has not penetrated the insulation itself. Wipe up the water from the surface and find the source of the leak.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fibreglass insulation is a combination of water and recycled glass; therefore, it does not absorb water either. When water accumulates in air pockets of the insulation, the functionality does decrease. This is because water conducts heat. Therefore, the warm air of your home pressed into the insulation quickly carries out of the house.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation, while eco-friendly, is made from plant fibres and recycled paper materials (typically newspaper). Therefore, when this becomes wet, it quickly deteriorates and is prone to mildew and mould. Insulation contractors in Mississauga and surrounding cities may be able to remove the affected insulation and dry it out, but this takes time. In most cases, removing the affected pieces and replacing them with fresh, dry insulation is best.
Cotton Insulation
Cotton insulation requires a full replacement. As a plant fibre, it soaks up water and eventually leads to drastic mould and mildew growth.
Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation works like spray foam; therefore, it is impermeable to water and should not host mould or mildew. However, check to ensure the board dries properly or dry it yourself to prevent the mould and mildew from forming on neighbouring structures that are not impermeable, such as drywall.
Water Damage? Contact Your Local Insulation Contractors in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Your home’s insulation is critical. If you are curious about water damage to your home’s insulation or you know you need removal, contact the professionals from Reitzel Insulation today.
Reitzel Insulation serves the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area, and we are here to help you with your insulation concerns. If you need to schedule an insulation removal or have your insulation inspected, contact our team at 226-241-9991. You can also reach us by filling out this online contact form.