Can fiberglass insulation be left exposed?

Author: Ms. Brenna Orn  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

Fiberglass insulation needs to be covered in any occupied area of the home because it can enter the air and end up in your eyes, lungs and skin. If you have exposed fiberglass insulation in a common area of your home, you need to cover it — but drywall isn't the only solution.

How long can I leave insulation exposed?

Foam Board Insulation: Can be left exposed for 30-60 days but should be covered to protect from UV rays and physical damage.

Does fiberglass insulation have to be covered?

If the insulation is ever disturbed, it can cause many health problems that are otherwise easily avoided. Breathing in fiberglass particles can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. This health risk is probably the best reason you want to cover your fiberglass insulation.

What insulation can be left uncovered?

ECOCELL Blankets can be left exposed or even painted. Unlike other insulation materials, ECOCELL does not have to be covered with gypsum board. Leaving ECOCELL exposed is another reason ECOCELL is the cost effective solution for insulating basements and crawlspaces.

How long can exterior insulation be exposed?

When exposed to clement weather conditions, ROCKWOOL unfaced exterior wall insulation products, when installed vertically, may remain exposed for up to 90 days without negatively affecting their properties. Faced insulation product Cavityrock® Black, may be exposed for up to 30 days without adverse effects.

Insulation Dangers EXPOSED: Your Home's Hidden Risks!

Can you leave insulation outside?

It is not suggested to leave PIR insulation outside permanently. Although it possesses some resistance to weathering, most manufacturers and industry guidelines do not recommend leaving it permanently exposed to the elements.

What happens if insulation gets rained on?

Once insulation gets wet, it loses its ability to trap air effectively, reducing its thermal resistance (R-value). Moisture can also lead to mold growth, which poses health risks and can damage the surrounding structure. Fiberglass or cellulose insulation must be removed and replaced.

Is it safe to be in a room with exposed fiberglass insulation?

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.

What should I use to cover fiberglass insulation?

Fabric panels are a cost-effective way to cover exposed insulation. They're an alternative to traditional wall materials and can help improve the acoustics in a room. Any kind of permeable fabric will work and they're easy to install. Stretch fabric over a wooden frame or directly on the wall surface.

Can you leave insulation exposed in a garage?

Exposed insulation can cause a variety of problems that can significantly impact your health and comfort. The level of risk depends on the type of exposure, the duration of the exposure and the location of the exposed insulation in your home. Exposed insulation in basements, attics and garages is the most common.

Is exposed fiberglass insulation an OSHA violation?

OSHA treats fiberglass as a nuisance dust and has set the permissible exposure limit at 5.0 mg/m3 for respirable dust and 15.0 mg/m3. Manufacturers have been recommending an exposure limit of 1 fiber/cm3.

Does fibreglass insulation need an air gap?

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.

Is fiberglass insulation a fire hazard?

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation

Materials are noncombustible, and remain so for the life of the product. They require no additional fire-retardant chemical treatments—in fact, unfaced fiberglass and mineral wool are accepted as a fire block in wood frames.

How do you store fiberglass insulation?

Wherever possible, the contractor should store the insulation in a dry, protected area. All packages should be elevated above the ground or slab, preferably on a flat surface, to prevent contact with surface water accumulations. Since the vapor barrier is fragile and subject to impact damage, exercise care in handling.

Is yellow or pink insulation better?

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.

Why is there paper on the back of insulation?

Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Why not to use fiberglass insulation?

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.

Can I use Tyvek to cover insulation?

Don't worry about that one. But with that strong air stream, breaking up of fiberglass strands and moving them around is a cause for concern. So, buy Tyvek, and use it to cover the insulation; staple it to framework. It is not a vapor barrier, so it is OK to put over the insulation.

Does N95 protect against fiberglass insulation?

Wear disposable lightweight coveralls or loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and cut-resistant gloves. This will reduce skin contact and irritation. Wear an N95 filtering facepiece respirator to minimize fiber inhalation. A reusable full-face respirator with N95 filters will also work.

Is it bad to leave insulation exposed?

Skin irritation: Touching exposed insulation can send particles in the air, irritating your skin. Eye irritation: Fiberglass particles can also irritate your eyes. Lung irritation: Breathing in fiberglass insulation is dangerous because it can cause respiratory issues.

Is it okay to sleep in a room with fiberglass?

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.

What happens if fiberglass is exposed?

Direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing.

How long does it take for fiberglass insulation to dry?

Fiberglass insulation might take 48-72 hours to dry completely if the area is well-ventilated. However, wet insulation in enclosed spaces can take longer, especially without active drying methods.

Can fiberglass insulation get moldy?

Signs of Mold on Fiberglass Insulation

Since insulation is often hidden within walls or attics, mold growth may go unnoticed until there are clear signs. Look out for: Musty Odors: A persistent musty smell can be a red flag for mold. Discoloration: Dark spots on walls, ceilings, or insulation indicate mold growth.

Do you need to replace insulation that gets wet?

Wet insulation will join its fibers together and create clumps in your attic. If your insulation is compressed or contaminated, then it will lose effectiveness. At that point, you will need to replace the insulation completely.

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