Whether it was caused by a storm flooding your home or a plumbing pipe that burst, water damage can be incredibly destructive. Since it can penetrate deep beneath the surface, the problems can be much bigger than expected. It's not uncommon for the insulation in the walls and ceilings to be water-logged. Because of this, you may be wondering whether that, too, inevitably needs to be replaced. Here's what you need to know. 

Seeking a Replacement

By and large, most water-damaged insulation should be replaced. This is because many homes are insulated with cellulose-based insulation. This is a great material that's easy to install inside drywall because it's available as a loose fill that can be sprayed. 

It's also environmentally friendly because it's primarily made from recycled paper products. However, as you might have guessed, this means it's extremely vulnerable to excessive water damage. If there's too much of it, it's highly likely to start sagging wherever it is, which dramatically diminishes its ability to function as insulation. Your home will become more drafty and the temperatures will fluctuate.

Furthermore, when it's too saturated, it becomes a breeding ground for mold. Mold is a health risk, especially for anyone with respiratory issues or a compromised immune system.

Fire Risks

As water moves through too much insulation, it essentially washes away whatever fire retardant chemicals, like boric acid, were in it. Therefore, even if it can be dried, it leaves your home more vulnerable to other hazards, like fire. 

Exceptions

Insulation made from materials like fiberglass are more likely to be salvageable. Since they're made from microscopically thin glass fibers, they don't retain moisture like cellulose. However, this is only if they haven't been too saturated with water. Water can still wash away the fire-retardant chemicals in fiberglass insulation, so have a professional thoroughly review everything.

If your home has suffered significant water damage, you can rely on Serclean Inc. With more than 25 years of experience, this Richmond Hill, GA business has been the top choice for water remediation, mold abatement, fire restoration services, and more. Their technicians are highly trained, meticulous, and dedicated to customer service. You can learn about everything they offer on their website but if you have any questions or would like a quote, don't hesitate to call (912) 459-1981.