There are likely many kinds of insulation in your Wisconsin home, and they’re an important part of your home’s ecosystem. Fiberglass insulation is the most common type and, depending on certain circumstances, could be dangerous. There are many considerations for your health and safety to keep in mind when dealing with exposed insulation.
In this blog, the experienced insulation contractors at Alpine Insulation explain the risks of exposed insulation and what to do if you find it in your home.
The Safety Risks of Uncovered or Exposed Insulation
If undisturbed, exposed insulation poses very little health or safety risk. For example, your attic or unfinished basement may have exposed insulation because you’re not spending time there. If you find exposed insulation in other areas, however, it could pose risks.
Fiberglass insulation is made of molten glass spun or blown into fibers. There are several risks to exposing yourself to fiberglass insulation.
Some potential risks of exposed or uncovered insulation include:
- Skin irritation: Touching exposed insulation can send particles in the air, irritating your skin.
- Eye irritation: Fiberglass particles can also irritate your eyes.
- Lung irritation: Breathing in fiberglass insulation is dangerous because it can cause respiratory issues.
- Not child-proof: Children may try to touch or play with fiberglass insulation, which is dangerous for the above reasons.
I Found Exposed Insulation in My Home — Now What?
If you have damaged drywall in any rooms of your home, you may be exposing yourself to fiberglass insulation. In this situation, the best thing to do is to call a reputable company to repair the problem immediately.
Expert insulation technicians have the tools, safety gear and experience to deal with exposed insulation. DIY repairs are not recommended.
Some ways to repair exposed insulation include:
- Repairing or installing drywall paneling over the insulation
- Sealing the insulation using a poly membrane sheet.
- Installing or repairing flooring if the insulation is coming through the floor.
Expert Insulation Contractors in Wisconsin
Alpine Insulation can help you with your exposed or uncovered insulation problems in central or southern Wisconsin. We can also remove insulation and replace it with newer, more efficient insulation.
We have handled thousands of insulation projects throughout the state over the past 40 years, and we’re happy to help you stay safe from dangerous fiberglass fibers.
Worried about exposed insulation? Call (866) 261-1090 today for more information.
