Did you know Florida is the second most humid state in the US? As professional insulation installers, we can tell you it’s true.
Mold is one of the most common problems with insulation.
Mold insulation can cause breathing complications and give you year ’round allergies. No one wants that.
There are ways to prevent insulation from moldy, even in a state as humid as Florida.
You can prevent insulation mold by
- Making sure the insulation is properly installed.
- Keeping your insulation clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Using a dehumidifier in areas that are prone to moisture, like bathrooms and basements.
Now that you have an overview, let’s get into the details.
What Type Of Insulation Molds?
The material your insulation of made of determines how likely it is to mold. Understanding the differences makes picking what insulation to use for your home easy.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is, as the name implies, insulation made from glass fibers. Great for insulation, not great for preventing mold.
And yet, Fiberglass is still a popular choice due to its low cost and high R-value (which must legally meet or exceed R-13 in Florida).
Mold loves fiberglass because the glass traps moisture and gives the mold room to grow.
You can prevent mold growth in fiberglass insulation by keeping it dry and ventilated.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a more eco-friendly choice. It’s made from recycled paper which helps keep cost low.
And while cellulose insulation does a great job keeping your house cool, it molds quickly when wet.
It’s not uncommon to find insulation mold in the rainy season here in Florida. Rain leaking into cellulose insulation perfect for growing mold since it’s an organic material.
One way you can prevent your insulation from molding is to get it sealed inside a plastic lining.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is the most popular DIY choice for Florida homeowners. That’s because it makes filling wall cavaties super easy.
Despite its convience, spray foam insulation still vulnerable to mold growth if it gets wet.
Mold will grow inside the material’s open pores, slowly breaking down it’s ability to keep your house cool.
Because of how spray foam insulation is installed, find and removing the source of mold is particularly difficult. It’s one of those “leave it to the insulation professionals” kind of problems.
As with all insulation, make sure to keep the area around the insulation clean and dry.
What Causes Mold Growth?
We now know that insulation can be a breeding ground for mold… but why?
Why do so many Florida homes have mold in their insulation?
As we hinted at earlier, the problem isn’t just humidity — it’s any source of water.
Anytime insulation becomes wet, mold spores have a new environment to take root and grow.
Basement insulation may not have to worry about rain, but what about faulty plumbing?
No plumbing in the attic, but what about an old roof?
Whether it’s attic insulation or basement insulation, there’s always a risk of a leak.
If the insulation is lacking good airflow, such as in a crawl space or attic, then the humidity might be high enough to cause mold.
Where Does Mold Grow In A House?
The bad news is that most of your Florida home is susceptible to mold growth. The most common areas include attics, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
Mold prevention for all of these areas starts with keeping them clean and dry. While also making sure to quickly repair any leaks.
If you do find mold growing in your home, try to clean it up immediately or call us at 855-928-8123 if you need help..
Can You Spray Foam Insulation Over Mold?
Yes. You can spray foam insulation over mold.
Should you? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Covering up the mold doesn’t fix the problem, it just hides it.
The moldy insulation must be replaced immediately. Once the insulation has been removed, the area should be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
After the area is cleaned and dry, THEN you can begin installing insulation again.
The Best Mold Resistant Insulation
There is no shortage of choices when it comes to insulation. But not all insulation is created equal. Some materials are more resistant to mold growth than others.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation, for example, is highly effective at preventing mold growth because it simply absorbs moisture. It does this by forming a tight seal around potential sources of moisture like pipes and wall interiors.
On the other end of the spectrum, fiberglass insulation is not so good at preventing mold growth. This kind of insulation actually provides an ideal environment for mold spores to grow.
For these reasons, we recommend closed-cell foam insulation for those looking for mold resistant insulation.
Reduce Allergies By Preventing Mold Spores
For those suffering from allergies or respiratory problems, air quality is a huge concern. By preventing mold growth you are helping preserve your home’s air quality.
No need to ruin the ocean breeze with moldy spores! Let’s learn how to prevent mold growth.
How to Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home
Prevent mold growth in insulation with these steps.
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First, make sure your insulation is installed correctly and that there are spots for water to leak in.
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Second, ensure all your insulation has adequate ventilation to allow air to circulate and reduce humidity.
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Third, if there is any water damage, it is important to dry the area as soon as possible to prevent mold from taking hold.
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Finally, consider using a dehumidifier during the rainy season. Especially in areas where mold is likely to grow, such as the basement or attic. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent mold growth in insulation.
If you happen to be on the search for the best attic insulation or just require mold removal, our professionals at Wattson Home Solutions are here to help.
We have over a decade of experience in insulation installation, energy assessments, installing heating and air conditioning units, and much more.
Schedule an appointment with us today and get your free energy assessment!
