Wall cavity insulation, also known as blown-in insulation, is a method of providing insulation to the space beneath your walls, either internally or externally.
Before talking about blown-in fiberglass insulation problems, you should know that blown-in insulation is present in two major types: cellulose and fiberglass. This is injected into walls through small openings and is useful to improve heat transfer or to minimize noise invading or exiting the property.
In fact, it takes professional skills to set up and cannot be done as a do-it-yourself project. Nonetheless, it is quite simple yet not tough or bothersome to do.
The material’s structure is fluffy and light, so it rests with lots of air pockets everywhere throughout each piece. As a result, there are several areas for heating to become trapped, slowing the pace at which such heat departs the property—or cold penetrates from outside.
Blown-in Wall Insulation Problems
There are 3 major blown in fiberglass insulation problems. These below are the wrap of them.
- Damp Problems That are Difficult to Repair
Blown-in insulation can generate major and difficult-to-resolve damp concerns when applied to the outside walls of properties in which it is not appropriate. It is due to substances within the walls getting moist as rain intrusion can no longer be diverted away.
- Taking More Expenses
This is one of the blown-in fiberglass insulation problems: damp insulation not only loses its effectiveness, but it also condenses, causing wet spots and mildew in your home. The only method to solve the problem is to eliminate all of the damp insulation, which can be expensive and may require the replacement of larger parts of brick or gypsum.
- More Prone to Settling
Walls’ blown insulation can cause problems due to the vertical aspect of walls, which makes them much more vulnerable to settling. Whenever the wall is completely wrapped, it is doubtful that any gaps will form as a result of a material settling inside the hollow. However, it will perform inadequately.
Blown In Insulation Health Risks
All types of blown-in insulation pose a health risk, especially fiberglass one. So, before you want to set it up, perhaps you should be aware of these risks below.
- Skin Irritation
Whenever your bare skin gets into contact with fiberglass, the small glass shards inside the fiber can easily cut your flesh. These wounds can cause a lot of discomfort and irritation.
Though you may assume you have a skin rash following handling fiberglass, those marks are most likely wounds.
- Eye Irritation
This thing not only causes common blown-in fiberglass insulation problems, but it can also actually give you eye irritation as well. So, whenever you get into contact with fiberglass, your eyes will most certainly get red, inflamed, and swollen.
- Breathing Problems
Fiberglass fibers are easily inhaled. Once inside your body, the microscopic glass threads may puncture and pierce your tissues and organs. The following are some frequent indicators that you have inhaled fiberglass:
- Throat pain or irritation
- Discomfort in the nasal passageways
- Sore, irritated lungs
- Breathing difficulties
If you have a respiratory ailment such as bronchitis or asthma, exposure to fiberglass might aggravate your symptoms. Whether you have weakened or sensitive airways, it might possibly cause a respiratory problem. Finally, consuming fiberglass particles might result in significant stomach pain and inflammation.
- Cancer Risks
Fiberglass is a known carcinogen. Though some research has found an elevated cancer risk in mice once lung tissue is exposed to fiberglass, the jury is still out on the disease risk in people. Any contractor you speak with can inform you that the procedure is to keep direct interaction to a minimum.
However, worries about fiberglass should not be confused with the proven relationship between asbestos and lung cancer. These are two distinct materials.
Once placed on your property, fiberglass is not regarded as harmful in a passive sense. The health risks connected with fiberglass are only important when there is direct contact or exposure.
Thus, those are some blown in fiberglass insulation problems, including the health risk that it can bring. This means that before setting that thing up on your property, you must be careful and prepare for all the necessities to prevent those problems and risks.
