Home Insulation and Mold Prevention

To get rid of mold, you need to keep the moisture inside your house in check and to do that you should start with home insulation. Insulation is your number one tool in managing the temperature and moisture within the house and if you’re slacking in the home insulation department, you’re extending an invitation to mold.

When installed correctly, insulation can be a life saver. If it’s not installed correctly, not only can it encourage mold growth by doing a poor job regulating moisture.  But it can provide a feeding source for mold to grow within your walls.

That is something you want to avoid at all costs. So we have some tips on how to select the best insulation.

Choosing the right insulation for the job

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose is a common material used as a loose or “blow-in” material because of its biodegradable properties and some unique advantages. Often repurposed newspaper, Cellulose insulation is a very green choice for your home. That may really speak to your desire to be environmentally conscious. Cellulose is commonly installed in attics and can be blown into or on walls with a binder. Because of its highly efficient insulating ability and ability to stop air flow better than fiberglass between spaces, it can be a great choice for attics and wall cavities.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is constructed of tiny shards of glass that form pockets to trap air and help restrict the transfer of heat. Its naturally mold resistant in that the material itself is not a food source for mold. Because of the high amount of air that can move through fiberglass however, trapped particles can filtered out of the air including food sources for mold and mold spores themselves. Over time, given the right conditions, mold can grow in fiberglass. Some forms of fiberglass insulation covered with paper products. This paper is often a food source for mold and can be a problem if installed directly against wet areas. (Like basement or crawlspace walls).

Installing Insulation

When trying to create a mold resistant environment, installing the insulation properly is just as important as the type of insulation chosen. Insulation’s sole purpose is to be your home’s first line of defense for regulating temperature. And often to aid in moisture control.  Improperly installed insulation can have a negative effect on a home with regards to mold growth. For example, gaps left in the insulation can create cold spots that can lead to condensation and surface mold growth.