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Mouldy insulation can be dangerous to health. This is because it can release mould spores into the air. This can trigger allergies and other respiratory problems when inhaled and should always try to be avoided.
Mould can grow on insulation if it becomes damp. This can happen due to moisture infiltration, high humidity, or both. To prevent mould growth on insulation, homeowners can install vapour barriers, use moisture-resistant insulation materials, fix any roof or wall damage that allows moisture to enter the home, and maintain proper ventilation.
If mouldy insulation is found, it should be removed and replaced by professionals who wear protective clothing to avoid inhaling the mould spores.
Can mouldy insulation be a danger to health?
Insulation is an important component of every home and provides various benefits, despite its outstanding capabilities. However, it is not impervious to issues like dampness and mould growth. Mould may grow on insulation; if it does, it can be difficult to prevent it from spreading.
Mould development is possible if three factors come together in your home. a) moisture penetration, b) the right temperatures, and c) organic nutrients. If moisture is available, it may thrive indoors, including in most cellars and roofs.
Mould thrives on dirt and dust contained within Rockwool and fibreglass insulation, feasting on it. Moisture, 1st condition, is easier to regulate than the last two. Wet air condensing on colder surfaces, indoor moisture from roof issues, cracks in walls and near showers are all sources of moisture. Avoid the moisture, and the mould will stop. Unfortunately, mould also may spread and develop on carpets, textiles and timber, among other things.
And you might ask me, how do I know if I got mouldy insulation? It’s up on the roof. I’m not going to go there all the time. But, suppose you start to see stains on your gyprock ceiling. The chances are that the insulation bats above are wet; therefore, mould can grow over time.
So what should I do to avoid mouldy insulation?
So why should we be concerned about mould in the insulation and other areas? Is it not simply unsightly, and that’s that?
Suppose you get mould in your insulation. The health of the residents of the house can be affected. The severity of the response by individuals depends on the immune system. Also, the number of mould spores that make it from the insulation into your living spaces.
Unfortunately, severe allergies can be triggered by mould spores. While this may not appear to be a significant issue at first. Prolonged exposure to a house with mouldy insulation will cause more frequent allergic responses, including the following:
- Stuffy nose
- Rashes
- Coughs
- Symptoms of hay fever
- Sore throat
Do moisture and mould affect the insulation quality of batts?
Wet insulation batts will not function as well as dry insulation batts. This will lower your property’s total thermal value, and you will sense the change in higher energy bills due to mould’s ability to cause irrevocable damage to your insulation. As a result, you may need to replace it.
How can we avoid this mould growth?
You can take several preventative actions to keep mould from forming on your insulation. One of the most common ways is to install vapour barriers. However, insulation can help to prevent moisture. Unfortunately, it may also trap it, developing mould between the insulation and the walls, especially in cellars.
Hot air condenses on the cool concrete walls of the cellar. They are creating optimum circumstances. However, spreading a moisture-blocking paint or sealer coat to an affected surface. Lacking thin polythene sheets developed expressly to prevent moisture seepage over typical insulation are examples of vapour barriers.
The following way to prevent mould growth is to change your insulation. When used as a significant source of insulation, spray polyurethane foam covers cracks, gaps, and other imperfections in a building. This creates a tight seal and reduces air and moisture movement. Another viable option is to combine polystyrene foam board with fibreglass insulation.
How can I save mouldy batts?
If you discover that your insulation batts have developed mould, you must discard them. Again, this job is best left to the experts as you need to wear protective clothing, gloves, a protective shirt, long pants, safety glasses, and a face mask.
To capture any tiny bits of insulation that may have fallen free. We recommend laying down drop sheets around the area where the insulation is being removed. To prevent spores from spreading. We recommend dropping the infected insulation directly into waste bags and securing them with cable ties. Clean the area with hot water and bleach to remove any remaining spores.
