Austin Fire and Flood

What Are the Effects of Water Damage on Insulation?

While water is necessary to maintain many comforts of modern life, it is often the enemy of homes and buildings. Water wreaks havoc on the exterior of many homes in Austin, TX, and that water damage can also travel inside the house. In hot and humid climates like Texas, prevention is key to protecting the home's structural integrity to avoid mounting costs related to water damage restoration.

It is good to check the roof and siding of the home for holes often, especially after big rainstorms. Self-inspection will allow homeowners to identify any potential weak spots that could lead to water damage in the future. While self-inspection is a crucial first step in identifying any leaks, the best course of action is to contact a professional water damage restoration team to eliminate water damage.

How Does Water Affect Different Types of Insulation?

There are three different types of insulation commonly found inside the walls of many homes: fiberglass insulation, spray foam insulation, and cellulose insulation. Each style responds to water differently and requires different treatment from water damage restoration professionals.

Fiberglass Insulation

Pink and porous fiberglass insulation is a prevalent type of insulation in homes. As the name entails, it consists of glass that does not absorb water. When fiberglass insulation experiences water damage, it is best to remove excess moisture using a dehumidifier to pull water from the air.

When dealing with extreme water damage that permeates the insulation, it is best to call a professional water damage restoration team.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is white foam frequently used in holes in walls, floors, and ceilings. Spray foam insulation is waterproof, but water damage can still affect surrounding wood and pipes. These hard-to-reach areas require experienced restoration companies to fully eliminate all moisture and restore the insulation, drywall, and wood. Properly seal holes to ensure an airtight seal to avoid water damage to the home's structure.

Cellulose Insulation

Made of recycled paper, cellulose insulation is challenging to repair from water damage. In most cases, wet cellulose insulation needs to be replaced entirely due to the fragile nature of paper. Cellulose insulation is the perfect environment for mold to grow even after just 48 hours, so contacting a professional water damage restoration professional is crucial.

How to Keep Insulation Dry

Keeping the new insulation dry is especially important in protecting the overall health of a home. If the house has a basement, adequately sealing it can prevent significant water damage. Additionally, frequently inspecting for holes or damage to the roof or siding of the home can identify any problems before substantial water damage ensues.

Contact Water Damage Restoration Experts

A home's insulation is extremely valuable for the safety and comfort of those who live there. It is paramount that a professional assess the water damage to any wet insulation and replace it if necessary. This is extremely important in environments that experience heavy rain, like Crestview, Austin, TX. Austin Fire and Flood has a team of certified water damage restoration experts to handle the job from start to finish.