We Remove Damaged and Failing Insulation in Greater Cleveland Ohio

The primary sources of insulation damage

In the realm of insulation, susceptibility to damage arises from four primary culprits: pests, moisture, mold, and the relentless march of time. While certain insulation variants may offer enhanced resilience against one or more of these adversaries, none remain untouched by the passage of years.  In the subsequent discussion, we will meticulously explore the four primary categories of insulation damage, dissect the potential issues that may arise, and provide guidance on identifying early warning signs to mitigate structural damage.

• Pest-Infested Insulation: Infiltrating pests often enter buildings through small exterior gaps.  Both rodents and insects are known to create nests within, and consume, specific insulation types such as fiberglass and untreated cellulose.  Have you ever come across a mouse nest in the garage, intertwined with pink, fluffy fiberglass insulation?  We certainly have!  Mice are drawn to it due to its excellent insulating properties, ensuring warmth.  Insects, on the other hand, are particularly attracted to organic materials and often find comfort in cellulose insulation.  To fight against this, cellulose is treated with Boric Acid, which discourages nesting and will kill bugs and pests if they eat it.  For a proactive approach, spray foam insulation effectively seals any potential entry points for bugs, preventing their access altogether, but must be used in the correct placements for maximum effect of the insulation, for example, we use spray foam in crawlspaces (where bugs and dirt are nearby) and in rim joints (the part of your basement that is above ground).

• Water Damage to Insulation: Water infiltration into a building occurs much like the intrusion of bugs – through tiny openings in the building's structure leading to the outside, or air gaps as we say in the business.  It's important to understand that insulation, despite having a vapor barrier, will only safeguard against moisture and vapors and isn't a reliable solution for handling actual water leaks. Insulation materials like fiberglass batts and loose-fill insulations, which trap air in open pockets, are particularly vulnerable to water damage, resulting in their compromised insulating effectiveness when wet, when they compress, they cannot effectively trap air.  Mineral wool insulation doesn't absorb water, but proper drainage is crucial to ensure it remains dry and capable of trapping air.  If you require fully waterproof insulation, closed-cell spray foam is the sole option, as it locks air within sealed bubbles within the cured foam, but the drawbacks are that this is the most expensive type of insulation and it should only be used in proper settings.

• Mold Growth in Insulation: The presence of water is paramount to a mold spore, they require water to move, grow, and reproduce.
  Mold particularly thrives in low light levels and humid spaces, meaning that moist insulation concealed within a wall cavity is a perfect candidate for mold colonization.  You can typically see a mold colony formed around day 18-21 following exposure.  If your insulation has encountered water damage, chances are mold damage isn't far behind, making the prevention of one, often one-and-the-same as preventing the other.  In an ideal setup, insulation features a vapor barrier, acting as a gatekeeper to stop vapors and mold spores. However, it's essential to remember that vapor barriers are not entirely waterproof, and a significant leak will easily breach a vapor barrier.

• Insulation's Battle Against Time: Time marches on, and nothing immune to its effects.  Over time, all insulation materials degrade, with varying degrees of resistance depending on their composition.  Join us as we dissect the types of insulation that we provide and their projected performance lifespans:
  

• Spray Foam Insulation: Open cell spray foam can endure for up to 80 years, while closed cell spray foam boasts a lifespan exceeding 100 years.  It adheres steadfastly when applied, maintaining its integrity without sagging or shrinking, when used correctly.  In most cases, it's unlikely to require replacement during the owner's lifetime, unless subjected to damage from natural or human-caused disasters.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation possesses the potential for long-term use, but its lifespan is sensitive. The fiberglass material itself can persist for over 80 years.  However, any associated vapor barrier on a fiberglass batt, may detach within 15-20 years, even without damage, as the adhesive dries out.  When used as loose fill, it can last 80+ years without damage, though it will settle 2 to 4 percent over time.  As a loose-fill insulation in an attic, this is less of an issue then when used as a sidewall insulation.  Sidewall insulation may require a top-up over time as vibrations and gravity cause settling and cold spots begin to appear.

• Cellulose Insulation: Cellulose insulation boasts a potentially long lifespan of 30 years, and being made from around 80% of recycled materials, it is the most Green of the insulation types and becoming more affordable every day.  Cellulose when densely packed into wall cavities will not settle due to gravity, but is prone to water damage.  When used as a loose fill insulation in attics, it can see about a 10% reduction in thickness as gravity and vibrations cause it to settle.  This mildly cuts down on how much warm air can be trapped.