Curing Challenges: The curing process of fiberglass is highly sensitive to moisture. If the fiberglass material gets wet before it fully cures, it can result in uneven curing or prevent the material from curing altogether. This can weaken the structure and reduce the effectiveness of the roofing system.
Glassfiber insulation is made from strands of glass fiber and temporarily loses its thermal resistance when it gets wet. However, if it can dry out and has not become compacted, it will retain its insulating properties. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.
Room temperature is the ideal scenario for curing. Each resin type will differ so we would always recommend referring to the MSDS and TDS available on each product listing before use. Although some resins may be hard to the touch after 24 hours, some may not be fully cured for up to 3 days.
When water gets into the hull and the boat's surface isn't cared for, water can react with materials in the fiberglass and cause it to break down. If your boat is in saltwater, the salt can get into the pores of the fiberglass and cause damage.
While mineral wool is a little more tolerant of a leak, fiberglass doesn't degrade if it gets wet, so if it can dry out, you're still ok. The big difference is that fiberglass will absorb moisture and ``fill up'', a bit like a sponge sitting in a puddle. Mineral wool won't do that.
How Long Does It Take Wet Insulation To Dry? The type of insulation, ventilation, temperature, and the humidity all play a role in determining the drying time. Typically, if the insulation does not dry within 2 or 3 days, it is advisable to remove it to prevent mold growth and wood decay.
Key Considerations for Fiberglass Roofing
Unlike other roofing materials, wet fiberglass can lead to irreversible issues, making it necessary to strip off, dry the boards, and start the process anew.
A soft or moveable transom on a fibreglass boat is an indicator of rot, and can significantly weaken the connection between the boat and the engine. A soft floor on a fibreglass boat can also be an indicator of unseen rot, leading to a boat that is not structurally sound.
Water can penetrate fiberglass, freezing in winter and eventually de-laminating the multi-layer cores.
There is a more complex form of UV degradation that is exclusive to fiberglass products, however. Constant exposure to subvisible rays of light can cause a weakening of the glass fibers in fiberglass products, causing them to become exposed in a process known as “fiber blooming”.
Use a Heat Source
Applying heat directly to the resin using heat guns or handheld torches is essential to hasten curing. Additionally, consider increasing the ambient room temperature by 10°C, which can halve the curing time. However, avoid exceeding the resin's maximum temperature tolerance, usually around 25°C.
If the fiberglass insulation is of good quality, installed correctly, and not disturbed, you can expect it to have the same lifetime as the building itself — usually 60+ years.
Avoid taking a hot shower if you have fiberglass in your skin. The heat can open your pores and allow the fiberglass particles to work their way deeper into your skin. Instead, it is best to wash the exposed area with cold water and soap.
Once applied, the topcoat should take around 30 mins hours to cure and 4 hours to fully harden to accept foot traffic.
And if the padding of a fiberglass cast gets wet, it can irritate and damage your skin. So your cast must stay dry. Don't do activities that can get your cast wet. These include swimming, fishing, washing dishes, and even going out in the rain.
Use a heat gun around the area. If there is moisture, you'll see ti come out as you heat the area. You could even make a fixture to direct the heat into the hole.
Every type of insulation will react differently when it gets wet. Fiberglass insulation will lose its effectiveness as air is displaced by water, causing it to conduct heat instead of insulating your home. Cellulose will begin degrade if it's not dried quickly, and it can start to grow mold.
While fiberglass insulation is moisture-resistant to some extent, prolonged or heavy exposure to water will cause significant problems. The fiberglass insulation in your walls doesn't work like a sponge; instead, a process called “wicking” occurs when in contact with water and the moisture is drawn up along the fibers.
Not Using Enough Resin
Using too little resin with fiberglass can also be a problem. If you don't use enough resin, the fiberglass may not stick to the surface properly. It can also lead to fiberglass fibers fraying and your final product could be brittle and weak.
Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass. Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.
Removing Fiberglass from Your Skin
If you've come into contact with fiberglass shards or you have a rash and itchiness after you were exposed to fiberglass, don't rub or scratch the area. Immediately wash the exposed area with warm water and mild soap and wipe with a washcloth to remove the glass fibers from your skin.
The depth and size of the damage determines what method you should use to repair. For shallow voids, dents, and crazing, you can use a fairing compound. For deeper gouges and holes, you would do a proper FRP repair using mixed resin, fillers, and reinforcement fabric.
Once it has finished bonding and curing, epoxy will prevent permeation by nearly any liquid or solid material, including water and humid air. Because of this feature, epoxy is frequently used in garage flooring, on shower walls, and as a coating for outdoor table tops.
It can be very bad when the fiberglass is submerged in water or is exposed to water for a prolonged period of time, as it will hold water and lose its thermal resistance.
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.