Roof Leaked All Attic Insulation Got Wet

Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane.

Roof leaked all attic insulation got wet.

What to do about a wet attic. Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. Insulation in the attic is often the first victim when roof leaks occur or when plumbing pipes routed through the attic leak. Prolonged wetness will rot out the roof sheathing.

If the roof has leaked it likely got the insulation wet. Musty smell in the attic. A roof repair or replacement is the perfect time to replace your insulation. While your roof is being repaired or replaced the decking can be easily lifted to allow for blow in insulation to be shot up through a tube into your attic creating little disturbance and no mess.

If you have ceiling leaks only in the spring it may be that ice has been forming on the sheathing all winter and it suddenly melts when a warm spell arrives. When your insulation is inundated with water you need to act quickly. There are many signs that an attic is wet. However a burst pipe or roof leak may dampen cellulose insulation installed in your attic exterior walls or crawlspace.

When insulation is wet or even just damp it no longer works to regulate the temperature in your home. If you re noticing water on your spray foam insulation it almost certainly means that you ve got a leak somewhere. Closed cell spray foam insulation provides a moisture barrier and an air tight seal. Mold on attic insulation ceilings etc.

If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries out over time. Skylight leaks in heavy rain are a common source for roof leaks. Even if you notice some of the above telltale signs of a roof leak it may be difficult to locate the problem water can travel along roof panels or lumber in the attic before dripping onto the insulation and leaving any visible evidence of its presence. If the insulation became wet from water that contained any contaminates such as flood water and sewage then the affected insulation and the wallboard are likely ruined and both materials need to be removed as soon as possible.

During installation each skylight essentially creates a big hole in an otherwise uniform roof surface. No matter how well your skylights were installed it is still possible for them to leak during heavy rains. While in your attic inspect the insulation as well. After all despite chemical treatments cellulose fibers aren t waterproof.

The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways. If you have closed cell spray foam insulation that s been exposed to moisture never fear. Wet insulation increases the burden on the building itself and over time can lead to warping and other structural damage. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.

When a leak allows water to seep in through the outer membrane and saturate the insulation below that moisture can deteriorate the roof on multiple fronts. Especially as your home ages a bit. Often this is first noticed when re shingling.