How Crawlspace Insulation Gets Wet

Newberg's clay soil holds water close to the surface, and many crawlspaces flood during heavy rain. Vented crawlspaces also pull in humid exterior air during wet months, which condenses on cooler surfaces like exposed insulation. Once fiberglass absorbs water, it compresses, loses R-value, and stays damp for months. Mold colonizes the paper backing and the organic dust trapped inside the fibers. Some homeowners try to dry it with fans or heaters, but unless you remove the moisture source and the wet material, the problem just repeats.

Why Wet Insulation Ruins Indoor Air Quality

Your crawlspace is not sealed from your home. Air moves upward through gaps around plumbing, ductwork, and floor penetrations. Mold spores and odor molecules travel with that air. If your bedroom smells musty or your allergies worsen at home, the source might be the insulation hanging below your feet. Wet insulation also attracts rodents, who nest in the damp fibers and leave droppings that introduce bacteria and viruses into the air.

Professional Insulation Removal and Replacement

We start by assessing moisture levels in the crawlspace and identifying the source of water intrusion. Then we remove and bag all compromised insulation, HEPA-vacuum exposed framing to remove dust and spores, and treat surfaces with antimicrobial solution. If rodent activity is present, we remove contaminated material and sanitize the area. Once the space is clean and dry, we install a vapor barrier across the crawlspace floor and seal foundation vents. New insulation only goes in after moisture levels drop below 15 percent and stay there.

We use closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam boards instead of fiberglass because they do not absorb water and will not support mold growth.

Insurance and Crawlspace Repairs

Insurance covers insulation damage if it resulted from a sudden plumbing failure or sewer backup. Damage from groundwater seepage or maintenance neglect is usually excluded. We document the timeline, photograph the damage, and provide a scope that explains how the moisture entered. If a covered event caused the problem, we handle the claim and ensure you get the restoration you need.

If your crawlspace insulation is sagging or you smell moisture in your home, call for a free inspection. We'll assess the damage, remove contaminated material, and install a system that keeps the space dry year-round.