While fiberglass actually doesn't absorb moisture (the individual fibers are made from water and recycled glass), it does hold moisture, which can be very bad.
Fiberglass Insulation
Like other batt-type insulation, fiberglass has a predictable R-value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier.
Fiberglass insulation neither absorbs nor holds water and will not deteriorate from extended moisture exposure. Being an inert material, it is a non-viable food source for mold and will not support mold growth. Fiberglass insulation cannot fight the battle against moisture intrusion alone, however.
You might think fiberglass is waterproof, but the thick batt can retain moisture. In turn, wet fiberglass will begin to lose its thermal resistance properties. Cellulose loose-fill is made of pulverized cloth and paper. This type of insulation can also absorb large amounts of water.
For high humidity and moisture, we'd recommend vapor barriers. Vapor barrier insulation comprises a film-like polyethylene layer that acts as a water retarder. Unlike most types of insulation, which are measured by their R-value, vapor barriers are gauged by water vapor permeability.
While fiberglass actually doesn't absorb moisture (the individual fibers are made from water and recycled glass), it does hold moisture, which can be very bad.
Fiberglass, a non-biodegradable substance is resistant to mold. With its sharp, ground glass, mold spores puncture before they can attach to it. Mold can grow on the fiberglass insulation backing, which is made of paper and is a mold food source. Fiberglass insulation without backing may be the best choice.
Polyiso and extruded polystyrene foam boards have the strongest waterproof properties. What is this? Foam boards that are treated with a foil vapor barrier are the best in terms of preventing moisture from reaching surfaces. EPS is susceptible to crumbling and absorbs more moisture.
Descriptions of the problematic odor vary. The odor has been compared to burnt cookies, burnt cotton candy, and burnt glue.
But generally, yes, it will slowly dry out, so if you have a situation where you've got wet cavity wall insulation, the best thing to do really is to install some external wall insulation and preferably a vapour permeable wall insulation to warm up that cavity and allow it to dry out.
You can buy batt and roll insulation with a built-in vapor barrier made of kraft paper or foil, or you can buy it “unfaced” (without a vapor barrier) and install one separately. A vapor barrier is necessary to prevent moisture absorption, which lessens the ef- fectiveness of the insulation.
A vapor barrier, also known as a vapor diffusion retarder, is a material that is used to reduce moisture damage to a building. They can be effective against both indoor and outdoor humidity.
If you can use the foam board and fiberglass - without compressing the fiberglass batts, then I say go for it. However, if you end up compressing the fiberglass then you will greatly lose the rated R-Value with an improper installation and almost certainly negate any possible benefits from the foam board.
Whether your home has spray foam, foam board, or fiberglass roll (or batten) insulation, each type should always be covered because each poses hazards such as: Fire risk. Irritated skin issues (due to chemical irritants in the materials)
Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.
In basements all around the country, there is a problem with fiberglass insulation becoming overbaked. What this means is that there were inconsistencies with the process of thermal curing insulation batts. If the insulation is cured for too long, it results in a persistent odor emanating from the batts.
Open the house windows and doors to let in as much fresh air as possible to get rid of a fiberglass smell indoors. It may take a couple days to dissipate, but allowing in fresh air will help it disappear more quickly.
The technician responsible for installing the insulation mixes the chemicals just before being sprayed into the home. If the technician or contractor improperly mixes the chemicals, including incorrect ratios of chemicals, the foam may give off an odor.
Does Spray Foam Insulation Trap Moisture? Does spray foam absorb water? Yes, there are open cell spray foams on the market that will absorb water, but that doesn't mean they all do. The spray foam used here at RetroFoam of Michigan does get wet and water even moves through it, but it doesn't trap moisture indefinitely.
If too much of the material is holding water, it will be able to resist drying methods. In this case, you will leave the walls or wood touching the material susceptible to mold growth. A large affected area can remain wet for longer than 48 hours.
2) What happens if ROCKWOOL insulation gets wet? ROCKWOOL insulation is moisture resistant yet vapor permeable. In the event the insulation becomes damp or wet, the insulation, when thoroughly dried, will maintain the original performance characteristics.
To help fiberglass insulation dry out, place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. If possible, remove the affected batts and transfer them to a warm place to dry. Once dry, return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from.
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.
Although insulation helps to reduce moisture, it can also trap it, particularly in basements, leading to mold growth between insulation and walls.
Mineral Wool Insulation
In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material..