Find Out Why Insulation Requires Professional Water Damage Restoration After Water Infiltration

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East explains the water damage restoration protocols to dry out water-soaked insulation and the necessary steps to prevent further damage.

Find Out Why Insulation Requires Professional Water Damage Restoration After Water Infiltration

Insulation is crucial for maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor air quality, but it must remain intact, uncompressed, and dry to function. Insulation is highly susceptible to water damage and often is the first casualty of a leaky roof or burst pipe.

When left untreated, water-damaged insulation causes a host of costly repairs and potential health risks. It is crucial to call a professional water damage restoration company at the first sign of moisture penetration.

The Importance of Keeping Insulation Dry

Damaged insulation compromises the home’s ability to retain heat and causes an increase in energy consumption. Moisture causes the insulation to deteriorate, and the extra weight of wet insulation damages pipes. The worst-case scenario is CUI (corrosion under insulation) — the erosion of the piping system.

How Does Insulation Get Wet?

The most common source of moisture in insulation is a leaky roof. Further causes of water-damaged insulation include:

• Humidity
• Plumbing issues such as leaks
• Condensation dripping from cold service devices
• Snow and rain blowing in through air vents
• Ground moisture and flooding

What Happens to Wet Insulation? 

Damp insulation loses its functionality, specifically its ability to inhibit heat transfer. Depending on the type of material, the wet insulation loses its thermal protective value by up to 40%.

Mold growth on wet insulation is cause for concern – it starts to grow within 24 to 48 hours. All types of insulation materials are susceptible to mold when exposed to moisture. Mold can spread to drywall, ceilings, and wood, rotting those surfaces over time. Some molds produce dangerous airborne toxins, posing a substantial health risk. 

Since every mold scenario is different, mold removal is a crucial part of the water damage restoration process. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is a licensed mold remediation company with a dedicated mold remediation expert on staff.

How to Treat Wet Insulation

With the aid of a professional water damage restoration service, it may be possible to salvage water-soaked insulation with special water removal machinery and mold remediation. Simply killing the mold growth does not eliminate the problem, as even dead mold has toxic properties.

A certified water damage restoration crew has the equipment and expertise to eradicate mold from your property by taking the following steps:

• Water removal with an industrial-grade vacuum to quickly remove excess water
• Dry and dehumidify the space using specialized equipment and repair the source of the water infiltration
• Thoroughly sanitize and deodorize all salvageable items, furniture, structures, and material
• Mold remediation, including removal of compromised building materials, applying fresh paint, disinfecting (or replacing) carpeting
• Restoring items to their pre-damaged condition wherever possible

It may be possible to restore insulation to its original state by applying antimicrobial agents. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East recommends a follow-up inspection of the premises to confirm a successful elimination of mold and bacteria.

Contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East for 24-Hour Emergency Service

Water damage disrupts daily life and, if left untreated, results in significant health and financial consequences. Water damage recovery is possible with quick action from a professional water damage restoration and flood cleanup team like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, serving South Side Corpus Christi, TX, and the surrounding areas.

Contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at (361) 985-6444 to learn more about restoring your home after water damage in South Side, Corpus Christi, TX.