Although fiberglass insulation is generally mold-resistant, mold can still grow on dust, dirt, or other organic debris that may collect on its surface.
Once a fiberglass duct liner is contaminated with mold, cleaning is not sufficient to prevent re-growth, and there are no EPA-registered biocides for the treatment of porous duct materials. The EPA, NADCA and NAIMA all recommend replacing wet or moldy fiberglass duct material.
Fiberglass can work for both the inside and outside of ducts. If you want to use it to insulate the ducts from the inside, it must be secured with perforated aluminum foil. Fiberglass insulation is an excellent option at a low cost.
Because of the high amount of air that can move through fiberglass however, trapped particles can be filtered out of the air including food sources for mold and mold spores themselves. Over time, given the right conditions, mold can grow in fiberglass.
Just seal your ductwork and add some insulation, and you'll give your system an efficiency boost that will result in greater comfort and lower energy bills. You'll want to seal ductwork if it runs through any unconditioned spaces in your home, such as the attic, crawlspace or basement.
Yes, Rockwool Duct Insulation is compatible with all types of ducts, equipment, and fittings. However, it is especially well-suited for rectangular and square ducts due to its rigidity.
Spray foam can adhere to just about anything, including ductwork.
The PROBLeM wiTh MOLd
Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.
Many of us know what causes mould; when moisture is trapped in the rooms of you home. Sometimes, there is insufficient insulation in the walls, so mould grows. However, not many people realise that additional insulation isn't always the answer. In fact, too much insulation can be the secret cause of mould.
You can get rid of mold by mixing bleach and water. First, mix one gallon of water with one cup of bleach. Then, use a spray bottle to spray the mixture onto the moldy insulation. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it with water.
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.
HVAC Insulation Health Hazards: Fiberglass Particles
Short-term exposure may result in symptoms like coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure to these particles could potentially lead to more severe conditions, including respiratory disorders and lung diseases.
Not only does insulation provide a nominal level of protection to the ducting, but it also helps the ducting to maintain a consistent temperature throughout to prevent condensation.
Use an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces (Ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew, and other dirt.
Since the interior of your air ducts is prone to some degree of moisture accumulation, it's not uncommon for mold to develop. And if you've never had professional duct cleaning before, there's a definite chance that hazardous mold is colonizing your HVAC system.
Yes, there is a method to avoid the chance of sticking on mold initialization. In a word…PVA. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a parting film which forms a physical barrier between the mold and the part. PVA has been around since the beginning of the fiberglass industry and certainly is not considered new technology.
HomeGuides at SFGate.com puts it this way: “A musty, earthy smell, like dirt and rotting leaves, is a telltale sign of mold's presence.” Once you've identified that there is something going on behind the scenes, you'll want to verify that it's mold.
While over-insulated attics aren't as common as under-insulated attics, it is possible to put so much insulation in your attic that it has a negative impact.
In these cases the mildicide treatment applied to the roof sheathing will also treat the mold on the insulation. This will not remove the mold spores or the discoloration. Therefore, in some cases it is best to remove the affected insulation.
One solution is to use stone wool insulation, which offers excellent drying potential and does not promote mold growth.
Owens Corning® PINK NEXT GEN® FIBERGLAS® insulation is made with safe, proven ingredients that naturally resist fire and do not support mold growth, with no formaldehyde and no fire retardants added to the fibreglass.
insulating ductwork can be a great way to offset energy price increases from SMUD. I know that I personally would make the choice to insulate my basement ductwork without hesitation. I've talked about this in the past, but insulating ductwork can be a great way to offset energy price increases from SMUD.
Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
You should use spray foam only if you don't intend to remove your air conditioner unit any time soon, unless you feel like doing a whole lot of work to remove the unit and the foam. Alternatively, use a foam board. This can be cut to size and stuffed in the cracks.