Mould or other fungal growth.
If your roof, crawl space, has issues with moisture, so does your fiberglass or cellulose in those areas. Because traditional insulation retains moisture, mould is likely growing in the material and spreading to the structure of the home where it’s installed. Black mould exposure can cause chronic coughing, sneezing, irritations to the eyes, mucous membranes, nose, and throat, as well as rashes, chronic fatigue, and persistent headaches. Severe cases of prolonged exposure to black mould can be more dangerous. Get that wet insulation out of the house and focus on fixing that moisture issue. Once you find the source of the moisture and fix it, then you can upgrade your insulation.
Allergens get trapped in the insulation
Traditional insulation allows for air movement into the home and with that air comes allergens and pollutants. Mould spores, pollen, and dust can be especially dangerous to people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Create an air seal in your home and you’ll be keeping those outside allergens out where they belong.
Keeping that old insulation in your home isn’t doing you any favours and carries a lot of risks to your health.
Another thing to keep in mind is that cellulose and fiberglass will shift, settle, and sag over time, which also means these materials are less effective as insulation.
Just one insulation option to make your home healthier is traditional insulation batts. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of new insulation in your home, contact us and we will be happy to assist.
