I know it’s common knowledge that you aren’t supposed to reuse fiberglass insulation that has gotten wet. Does anyone know for sure that’s true? If it appears to be in new condition why couldn’t we re-install it?
(I’d rather not discuss the reasons we’re using it at all, or how it got wet <G>)
Replies
I would think that I would like to unbundle it and blot out heavy moisture then leave it in a room with a dehumidifier till dry.
Nothing wrong with wet fiberglass, per se (once it dries out) -- the glass itself is unharmed by water. It's the gunk (dust, mud, sewage, etc) that so often gets mixed into the fiberglass that's a problem, plus the simple fact that the stuff is cheap and there's no point in attempting to reuse it in most cases. Regarding the gunk, it's probably less of a health question than a simple odor remediation question.
Of course, with faced fiberglass the facing paper may be water damaged beyond the point of practical reuse, but the only big issue (if clean and not moldy) would be whether it could be an effective vapor barrier.
Edited 12/30/2008 3:57 pm by DanH
This is brandy-new, unfaced batts. Industrial-size dehudifier is doing its thing now. Sounds like as long as the insulation passes a visual and odor inspection we should be ok to re-use.
What did it get wet with?
The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel
Water
Water from two locations actually. This is a new house in the most exposed location we've ever built on. 60' above a moderately steep slope looking east into the Atlantic. We like to use the recessed white plastic exterior outlet boxes. In a recent storm rain was blowing vertically up through the little holes they leave under the lid, for cords. The wind was holding the rain from draining out, and through the punch-outs where the wires came in. Probably took on a couple gallons that way, through two outlets.
We also used Jeld-Wen windows for the first time. Their awning windows have two weep holes in the weatherstripping at the bottom of the sash to allow water to drain out. Well, each of those awnings let in several gallons of water through those weep holes.
Did I mention it's a fairly exposed location?
Was that the storm 2-3 weeks ago where it ran over seventy MPH winds all night?A place I had been working on lost a square of shingles and had water run past the old combination storm windows, up hill on the sills, and into the house. Another client had a tree fall on his house so I had to go cut it up and off, then repair the roof.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That's the one. Even here in the city the winds were pretty intense.
Mike,
I worked on a house in Newfoundland located near the edge of a cliff facing Ireland. Rainwater would run UP the windows. It was a struggle to make that one watertight.
Ron
That's essentially the case we've got. Glad we went for the full ice & water shield coverage on the roof.
Curious Mike, did you use the Jeld Wen pain in the doopa pan and corner flashing system?... not that it would have done you any good.http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
The guys installed ice and water shield pans, which probably saved the walls below the windows from damage. This was our first project using Jeld Wen, and chose the Custom line. We usually use Marvin Ultimate but are trying to find a new favorite brand. Do you have much experience with Jeld Wen?
Do you have much experience with Jeld Wen?Unfortunately, yes. Used to use Caradco (okay stuff), Norco (mid-ok) and Pozzi (better stuff)... then Jeld Wen bought them. Didn't seem like a problem until our inspections dept started reading the flashing details. Hard plastic corners and pans in the literature for sub flashing. Our inspectors have to go with the manufacturer's specs unless they want to their own butts on the line. All the flashing stuff adds up, cost wise and thickness wise, makes makes trimming outside and in a challenge. But, the lawyers always always win!Haven't used the Ultimates, but Integrities are good windows, doors suck... but when are the jamb widths gonna catch up with the flashing requirements... good thing I've got an ez guide for the tapered jamb extensions!http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"