What is the biggest problem with fiberglass insulation?

Author: Geo Schulist  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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.

What are the dangers of fiberglass insulation?

The main concerns with use of fiberglass insulation are skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.

Why not to use fiberglass insulation?

Misused & Susceptible to Water

Often fiberglass insulation is misused when it's installed. An example of misuse is when it is installed in a basement ceiling. Fiberglass insulation is easy for air to move through and it loses a high percentage of its R-value when it gets water into it.

Does fiberglass insulation sag over time?

Fiberglass batts can sag over time, creating gaps that compromise performance. Other problems, such as dust or mold growth, can occur if the installation area experiences a lot of moisture or air infiltration.

What are bad things about fiberglass?

No long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. 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.

Overcoming Fiberglass Insulation's 3 MAIN PROBLEMS

Why is fiberglass banned?

The potential health effects of fiberglass exposure

However, just as with the chemical flame retardants, fiberglass carries its own set of adverse health effects when it escapes into the environment. For example, airborne fiberglass strands can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems when inhaled.

Is fiberglass cancerous?

Based on extensive scientific research and evaluations by leading health authorities, fiberglass insulation, including glass wool fibers, is not associated with cancer or serious long-term health effects. While it can cause temporary irritation, proper handling makes these effects manageable.

Should I replace old fiberglass insulation?

However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness. Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.

What weakens fiberglass?

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.

What is the best insulation for an old house?

Spray foam: Open-cell or closed-cell spray foam can provide excellent insulation and air sealing in one application. Combination approach: Use spray foam to seal air leaks and fill odd-shaped cavities, then supplement with batt insulation for cost-effectiveness.

What insulation is better than fiberglass?

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..

Is it OK to have exposed fiberglass insulation?

Exposed insulation poses several safety risks, especially in homes with children and pets. Fiberglass insulation is not highly flammable, but it can still pose a fire risk. Exposed insulation can increase the risk of ignition and rapid flame spread. Always keep exposed insulation away from heat sources.

What is the least toxic insulation?

The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.

What is the life expectancy of fiberglass insulation?

Fiberglass insulation can potentially last 80 to 100 years if it is undamaged, but bits can start to fall from fiberglass batts after 15 or 20 years. If shouldn't need to be replaced after such a short time, but it's worth an inspection.

What is the best insulation for attics?

Fiberglass Batt and Roll Insulation

Fiberglass batt and roll insulation is a common and budget-friendly option. This insulation comes in pre-cut batts or long rolls, making it easy to fit between the framing members, like joists and trusses, in your attic.

When did they stop using fiberglass insulation?

However, “by the late 1970s consumers and health organizations established a solid link between asbestos and lung disease. In 1980, asbestos production was banned throughout the U.S. and many other countries” (hunker.com). As a result, cellulose insulation was introduced as an alternative to fiberglass.

What should you not use on fiberglass?

A: The nice thing about fiberglass tubs and showers is that no matter how dirty they become, they are fairly easy to clean. Be careful not to use any abrasives on the fiberglass, such as scouring pads, steel wool or gritty cleaning solutions. “Soft Scrub” may be used sparingly on soap scum buildup.

What rots fiberglass?

Fiberglass and fiberglass resin it doesn't rot but if you leave it in the sun the sun will break down the material and you'll have what they call dry rot. It has nothing to do with bacteria or decay it's that the sun and the ultraviolet rays have broken down the fiberglass and now it's starting to fall apart.

What chemical will dissolve fiberglass?

A variety of solvents have been used to clean processing equipment, metal parts and tools after a polyester resin (fiberglass) has cured on them. Acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and diacetone alcohol are the solvents most commonly used to remove cured polyester resin from the substrates to which it is attached.

What is the biggest problem with Fibreglass insulation?

Air Leakage

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.

Is it worth it to remove old attic insulation?

Benefits of Replacing Your Attic Insulation

Enhanced energy efficiency: New insulation can help reduce energy costs by improving your home's ability to mitigate thermal transfer. Indoor air quality: You can improve the air quality in your home by removing old insulation that may harbor mold, dust or allergens.

Does wet fiberglass insulation need to be replaced?

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 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.

Does fiberglass ever leave your lungs?

Smaller fibers may be inhaled deep into the lungs. Inhaled fibers are removed from the body partially through sneezing or coughing, and through the body's defense mechanisms. Fiberglass that reaches the lungs may remain in the lungs or the thoracic region. Ingested fiberglass is removed from the body via feces.

How to tell if you have fiberglass in your skin?

Prolonged skin contact with fiberglass can cause irritation and itching, leading to fiberglass dermatitis. This condition presents as a rash, redness, and sometimes small bumps. In severe cases, it can cause painful blisters.

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