Air can still pass through fiberglass and cellulose, and air contains heat. Therefore, the more air that passes through your insulation, the more heat your insulation has to block.
Fiberglass can enter the environment from the manufacture, use, and disposal of fiberglass-containing materials. Damaged or disturbed materials, such as fiberglass insulation, may release fibers into the air. Airborne fiberglass may eventually settle with other airborne particles as a part of dust.
It is not a good idea. The fibers the insulation is made of can get into your bronchia and lungs. If you must sleep in such a room, it is best to cover the insulation with something, even for the short term.
It's important to note that some insulation materials, such as spray foam, do not require an air gap. However, if you're using traditional insulation materials such as fibreglass or mineral wool, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for air gap size and placement.
Air Leakage
Fiberglass insulation is less dense than other types of insulation and does not create an airtight seal, which means air can travel freely through the insulation. This is called air leakage and it's one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house.
The main goal of insulation is to prevent airflow. By doing that, HVAC systems in our buildings need less energy for heating or cooling. But sometimes fiberglass still allows airflow. It can be a major issue as you will be confronted with higher than usual energy bills and uncomfortable living.
Exposure to fiberglass can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause itching and irritation when the fibers get stuck in the skin.
Because Fiberglass Batts are air-permeable, the heat will move through them via the movement of air. The insulation will slow the movement down, but unfortunately the heat transfer will happen. The rate at which the movement of heat is slowed down is tied directly to the R-Value and the quality of installation.
Fiberglass batts can sag over time, creating gaps that compromise performance. Other problems, such as dust or mold growth, can occur if the installation area experiences a lot of moisture or air infiltration.
All Spaces Containing Fiberglass Insulation Require Ventilation. Ed, Areas (crawl spaces, attics, joists spaces etc) that contain fiberglass insulation require some sort of ventilation to help remove the moisture that will occur when warm air meets cold air and the humidity is at a certain level.
The fiberglass can give you tiny cuts on your skin, which can cause rashes and blisters, and irritate your eyes and lungs. If this material is inhaled, it can also be dangerous and worsen asthma. Studies have shown the inhalation of airborne fiberglass can lead to adverse health effects.
Fiberglass can be tested for in the air and settled dust. The primary air testing method for fiberglass is phase contrast microscopy (PCM), which is also the primary method for testing asbestos in the air.
In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.
It is not an air barrier. Air can still pass through fiberglass and cellulose, and air contains heat. Therefore, the more air that passes through your insulation, the more heat your insulation has to block.
Exposed insulation poses several safety risks, especially in homes with children and pets. Fiberglass insulation is not highly flammable, but it can still pose a fire risk. Exposed insulation can increase the risk of ignition and rapid flame spread. Always keep exposed insulation away from heat sources.
Rare cases of pulmonary fibrosis, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, and sarcoidosis-like pulmonary disease have been described after exposure to fiberglass. Detailed exposure history is essential to make the diagnosis. Cessation of fiberglass exposure is important in management of these patients.
Fiberglass batt insulation does have some drawbacks. They can be itchy and irritating to handle, and inhaling the fibers can cause respiratory problems. It's important to wear protective clothing and a mask when handling and installing fiberglass batts.
Fiberglass Insulation--The actual lifespan of this commonly used attic insulation is from 80-100 years. However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness.
Insulation is designed to slow heat transfer, not block airflow. Insulation and airflow are important for your space's health.
Fiberglass Insulation
In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier. Some builders rely on batts with attached kraft-paper facing to do that job, but Tom recommends unfaced batts, covered in plastic with all the seams taped shut.
Compressing fiberglass batts enhances the R-value per square inch because the material is packed tightly together. However, compression also reduces the R-value of the batt overall because you lose some inches of insulation when it is packed tightly.
Health hazards of interacting with exposed insulation include: Risks of skin, eye and lung irritation. Potential for mold and mildew growth. Risk of increased health problems for kids, as uncovered insulation isn't child-proof.
Installers blowing insulation wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator (N95 or greater). No workers, unless they wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator (N95 or greater), should be permitted in the attic during or immediately after the application.
Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter
To ensure thorough cleaning and removal of fiberglass particles, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter to vacuum the entire bed and bedroom. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can effectively remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, including any remaining glass fibers.