Fiberglass Insulation Problems: 6 Things to Watch Out For

As with every insulation material, there are advantages and disadvantages. To start with, the benefits of home insulation include energy efficiency and a significant improvement of comfort. To add, home insulation keeps your home clean from pests and rodents and also your walls from moisture and mold. As if it wasn’t enough, the control of air circulation helps the residents by being less exposed to respiratory disorders that are often caused by mold, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. And all of these benefits can be enjoyed for decades only if the installation process is done properly and by professionals.

Leaving the benefits of home insulation aside to take a look at the disadvantages of fiberglass insulation. As you may or may not know already, fiberglass insulation is one of the most commonly used insulation methods not only in the Greater Toronto Area but in Canada and beyond. It embodies all the benefits mentioned above and more but when installed poorly or by inexperienced insulation contractors it may cause several issues. Deterioration, for example, is the main issue today’s homeowners face with their insulation. The material can deteriorate, sag or settle within the first decade of installation. And this is just the beginning. Below you will see six fiberglass insulation problems that you as a homeowner or insulation contractor can avoid. 

Fiberglass can deteriorate, sag or settle

As mentioned above, the fiberglass insulation material can deteriorate, sag or settle within the first decade of installation. It is a very irritating issue as a deteriorated insulation system will no longer act towards your energy efficiency goals. This means higher energy bills at the end of each month and more exposure to mold, pests, and rodents. The main factor that causes fiberglass to sag or settle is the installation process. However, an experienced insulation company is aware of the issue and will perform the installation with settling in mind. 

Moisture and allergens can be get trapped inside fiberglass

This is an issue that insulation crews are well aware of. It doesn’t happen often but when it does it may cause serious damages to the resident’s health. People who suffer from allergies are more affected. Dust, allergens, and moisture can be trapped inside fiberglass and lead to mold growth. Again, for as long as you count on a professional insulation crew, you should be okay. Moreover, you can choose safer insulation methods like cellulose or spray foam. These insulation methods are resistant to mold growth and have a better performance level. 

Airflow can still be an issue

The main goal of insulation is to prevent airflow. By doing that, HVAC systems in our buildings need less energy for heating or cooling. But sometimes fiberglass still allows airflow. It can be a major issue as you will be confronted with higher than usual energy bills and uncomfortable living. However, there is a solution to it. In order to prevent airflow and temperature fluctuations, an air seal can come in handy. It can be created by foam spraying your walls and attic prior to using fiberglass. The final result: Higher insulation performance and lower energy bills. 

Direct contact with fiberglass can cause irritations

Direct contact with the fiberglass insulation material can cause irritations on the skin and eyes, and respiratory issues in the lungs. Fiberglass is an almost entirely recycled material made of small particles of glass. When in direct contact, it can cause several issues to the health of the insulators and the residents as well. To avoid such a thing from happening it is highly recommended to the insulation crews be equipped with the required safety gear. Long sleeve shirt, gloves, pants, and goggles are recommended to be worn when performing a fiberglass insulation installation or insulation removal. Another tip that will help you avoid contact with fiberglass is to dampen the walls to eventually lessen the chances of small fiberglass particles from becoming airborne. And for the insulation contractors, always remember to clean the workspace after finishing. Any potentially harmful waste should be discarded through an exterior disposal method, leaving no debris. 

DIY is not an option

The last time I checked, insulating your house with fiberglass was not included in the
“easy-to-do jobs” list. It is a long and tedious process that requires the proper gear, material, tools, and experience. Professional insulation crews have the technical know-how necessary to successfully install your fiberglass insulation system. Therefore, leave it to the pros to eventually enjoy the multiple benefits of home insulation for a long time. Avoid DIY fiberglass insulation to protect yourself from potential injuries and instead opt for experienced insulation contractors. 

Fiberglass has a relatively small lifespan

When compared to spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation is relatively cheaper and has an easier installation process. It even requires less experience and also the need for equipment and protective gear is lower. However, there is a reason why spray foam is more expensive and that is due to its relatively higher lifespan and the high R-Value it has to offer. To compare, fiberglass insulation has a lifespan of 20 up to 50 years while spray foam insulation has an estimated lifespan of approx. 100 years. As for the R-Value, fiberglass delivers an R-2.3 up to R-4.3 per inch of thickness. On the other hand, spray foam insulation has an estimated R-Value that ranges from R-3.7 up to R-6.7. Depending on the installation, numbers may vary but this is the accurate picture. 

Why EcoStar?

EcoStar insulation company is proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and the suburban communities with top-tier insulation products and services since 2008. Over the years, we have established ourselves as a leader insulation company in residential and commercial insulation. Whether your project is big or small, peak season or slow season, your team of professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage to help you with your insulation plan. Contact us to get a free estimate today.