NORTH BROWARD & BOCA Blog

Storm Damage? Koala Insulation of North Broward & Boca can help!

Here in South Florida, we all know that rain and storm damage isn't uncommon. Nearly every year, the cost of damages that occur as a result of hurricanes or intense tropical storms making landfall in the U.S. numbers in the billions. Heavy rain, storm surges, and coastal flooding can all contribute to the destruction of homes and other buildings. And with hurricane season running from June to November we can definitely have some months full of unpleasant surprises. For 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was expecting a season with "above average" activity, meaning that we are not done worrying about storm damage and flooding yet. Every storm means potential damages to our homes, especially to the roof. High winds, a falling tree or debris flying around can remove or tear shingles or put pressure on the roof which makes it more vulnerable to moisture intrusion and will lead to a whole lot of other problems, mildew and mold just being two of them. 

Moisture and humidity control

According to the Executive Summary of the “U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate Science Special Report'' it's clear that weather extremes are only going to continue to increase as the years go by. That's why having your home prepared beforehand is extremely important. All in all, humidity control and insulation go hand in hand.

By improving the humidity levels in your home, you can help to improve the effectiveness of your insulation. Similarly by improving your insulation, you can help to improve the levels of humidity in your home. Increasingly, storm repair experts are turning to a unique material known as closed-cell polyurethane foam (ccSPF) to insulate the walls, ceiling, and roof of a building to help fortify it. Known as “spray foam insulation,” this tactic not only helps increase a building or home’s weather resilience but also creates a stronger, more energy-efficient structure. Spray foam insulation also helps improve the wind resistance of roofs as well as strengthening walls significantly. With the increase in the intensity of hurricanes over the past 30 years, having a home insulated can be an effective way to ensure your home and family are better prepared for the next hurricane season.
 

What can happen if your insulation gets wet

Batt Insulation

If the insulation gets very wet, it can be compressed by the weight of the water and it may not recover to its original thickness, meaning it will not perform as well to trap the heat flow between inside and outside. Water trapped in the insulation segments can also cause mold growth, or possibly leak out onto your plasterboard, causing unsightly staining and damage. If it is completely saturated, it will be required to be replaced. Even if dried out, it will not recover its original thickness and therefore the effectiveness of the insulation will be significantly reduced.

If it is slightly wet due to something like minor leakage through the roof or floor, it can be dried out, reinstalled and reused.

Blown-In Insulation

As a loose-fill product, cellulose relies on its natural fluffiness to fill the space while leaving insulating air pockets between the fibers. Excessive moisture causes the cellulose to sag and settle, an effect that is especially detrimental in wall cavities. Settled insulation could leave the entire upper half of your walls uninsulated! Thanks to its chemical treatment, mold doesn’t grow on cellulose insulation. However, water-soaked fibers sit right against wood studs and drywall, which are susceptible to mold growth. This is why you must act quickly if your cellulose insulation gets wet, since mold can start forming within just a few days. 

Fiberglass Blown-in insulation on the other hand is a little bit more resistant to water damage; it temporarily loses its thermal resistance when it gets wet but can dry out and, if it has not become compacted, and will retain its insulating properties.

Spray Foam Insulation

Instead of deteriorating when exposed to water, like some other forms of insulation, spray foam will dry and stay intact. Although it will still dry over time, the foam may not have the same air-tight seal, so it’s important to have a professional check the state of your insulation. Polyurethane spray foam won’t change its shape as it dries because it’s a water-resistant material.

What to do if your insulation has moisture damage

Wet insulation is a serious problem. You need to take all the right measures to resolve the issue. Damaged insulation can increase your chances of exposure to mold, mildew, and other contaminants. If you want to avoid wet insulation in your attic, then you need to seal all the gaps in the home and do regular check-ups after big storms.

There are many reasons to invest in insulation, as it’s one of the best long-term solutions available against heat and high energy bills. If you are interested in insulation services, contact Koala Insulation of North Broward and Boca today. We will guide you through the insulation process from start to finish, whether that’s by helping you choose your material or just coming to your property to get the job done.