Can lack of insulation in your house cause mold? As a matter of fact, yes. This microscopic fungus tends to grow in warm, wet environments—and its contamination is a messy issue for modern homeowners. Ergo, preventative measures are essential to minimize and contain any potential growth problems.
Cause #4 Missing or Inadequate Attic Insulation
When an attic is missing insulation, the air movement increases significantly, and the influx of warm air can, once again, cause condensation on cold roof sheathing. This type of moisture condition resulting from condensation is a catalyst for mold growth.
Small sections of missing insulation can make a huge difference to your energy bill, and may even cause physical damage to your home over time if mold starts to grow where condensation forms on walls, or ice dams are caused by snow melting and refreezing on your roof.
Cavity wall insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency in homes. However, if not installed correctly, it can lead to damp and mould issues. This post explores how past government schemes failed to address ventilation, leading to problems, and how new standards like GBIS and ECO4 ensure homes are protected.
The lack of insulation in homes can lead to condensation and mould growth, creating unhealthy living environments and potentially causing structural damage. Insulation slows the movement of heat through the walls, roof, and floors, maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature.
Areas where you can feel a draft, or cold spots on your walls can indicate poor insulation. Drafts indicate panel gaps and openings that need to be sealed, cold spots in walls and floors indicate insulation clumping or areas where the material is too thin.
Mold does not grow directly on insulation because the insulation is not its food source. However, when your attic or crawl space is attacked, then it will spread to the insulation. And as such, it will start to grow on the insulation.
Properties without a DPC, or where the DPC is too low (typically less than 125mm from the ground) and a French drain has not been installed. Some properties with raked mortar joints. Properties with a cavity wall under 50mm or over 150mm. Properties that have significant rubble or mortar ingress in the cavity.
How do you know if your cavity wall insulation has failed? Cold and wet patches on internal walls could be signs of failed CWI. Water-damaged and blistered plaster, wallpaper or painted surfaces are also warning signs. On the external wall, look out for spalled or cracked brickwork.
Interior walls are often left uninsulated during construction because the energy efficiency benefits are less significant than those gained from insulating exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
Check Behind the Baseboards
Put the wood between the wall and the pry bar to avoid any drywall damage. Then you can easily pry the trim away to get access to the bottom of the wall. If there is existing insulation like fiberglass or cellulose, you will be able to see it in the gap at the bottom of the drywall.
Thermal lining paper is among the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls. This thick, insulating wallpaper can be easily applied directly to walls, making it a quick and straightforward solution. Costing around £10 per square metre, it effectively reduces heat loss and is perfect for smaller DIY projects.
Fibreglass insulation without backing is another brilliant option for insulating your home without causing any mould or damp. Moisture-resistant plasterboard, which has water-resistant properties that make it ideal for rooms with a high humidity level, making it a good option for kitchens and bathrooms.
There are many stories that indicate that bad insulation can cause dampness. Yes, bad insulation can contribute to the growth of mould. Insufficient insulation can lead to condensation and moisture buildup, creating a favourable environment for mould growth.
In addition to preventing mold growth, spray foam insulation is one of the most efficient forms of home insulation available on the market. Long-lasting with a lifespan of up to 50 years!
About a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. By properly insulating cavity walls, you will save energy and cut costs off your heating bill.
It may sound counterintuitive, but yes, absolutely! Existing walls, in old houses and new, can be insulated using a fantastic technology called "drill and fill." (You can learn more about how we use the drill and fill technique on our Insulation page.
This article on how to remove spray foam insulation will guide you on removing spray foam mold. Clean the area with bleach and water to remove mold spores. Then, keep the area dry to prevent moisture buildup again.
Without insulation, heat from your home can escape through the walls, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. This heat loss can also lead to higher energy bills and wasted resources.
Walls, floors and ceilings should feel warm and dry to the touch in your home. An indication that there is not enough insulation can be drywall or paneling feeling damp or cold. Conversely, the walls outside of your home should feel cold because insulation stops the heat from escaping.