Storm damage? Here's what you need to know about your insulation

Home comfort tips

Has your home been affected by water due to a storm or flood? Understand what you need to do with wet insulation segments in walls, roofs, ceiling and floors.

There are few things more devastating than a weather event which invades your home. And it can be overwhelming to deal with – where do you start when a tree has come crashing through your roof after a storm, as recently happened to one of our own here at CSR Bradford?

At CSR Bradford, we are here to help. Here are some practical tips on what you need to consider when your insulation segments have gotten wet, whether they’re in your roof, ceiling, walls or under your floor. If you need more information or want to get someone out to help, please call us on 0800 277 123.

What can happen if your insulation gets wet?

Glasswool insulation, like Bradford’s, utilises the air pockets between the fibres of spun glass to trap heat. If the insulation gets very wet, it can be compressed by the weight of the water and it may not recover to its original thickness, meaning it will not perform as well to trap the heat flow between inside and outside.

Water trapped in the insulation segments can also cause mould growth, or possibly leak out onto your plasterboard, causing unsightly staining and damage.

Finally, insulation which is installed behind metal cladding can cause rust and corrosion.

With this in mind, it’s always a good idea after your house is impacted by a weather event to get the insulation assessed. Bradford has a network of installers who are available to come to you and offer advice. Contact us for help.

Assessing the damage to your insulation

How to prepare for a storm?

To help minimise the potential impact of a storm, here are some recommended prevention measures:

One. Trim tree branches

Trim tree branches that could fall on your home during a storm.

Two. Check Blockages

Clear your gutters, drains and downpipes from leaves and other blockages so that rain can drain away and avoid pooling around and entering your home.

Three. Tidy Up Outside

Ensure a tidy yard and store away or secure items that may be blown around and cause damage in strong winds such as outdoor furniture.

Four. Inspect Your Roof

Ensure that your roof has no pre-existing damage such as broken and missing roof tiles or roof sheeting that needs to be patched or replaced. It is also important to check that no light is shining through your roof space as this indicates that your roof or roof underlay may be damaged.

Build your home to help prevent water damage with roof underlay and wall wrap

Although nothing is going to prevent the damage caused by a tree falling through your roof or a major flood event, there are things you can do when building your house to help prevent small amounts of water entering your home through cracks in walls or roofs – small amounts of water which can still cause major damage to your home, often unseen.

Wall Wrap and Roof Underlay to reduce moisture entry

When building a new home or replacing a tiled roof, ask your builder about wall wrap and roof underlay. These products provide a protective second skin for your home, preventing the entry storm-driven rain, dust and draughts into your home. They also add thermal performance by reducing air-flow around insulation and through the wall frame, meaning you have better control over your home’s internal environment.

Have you been affected by storm, flood or water damage?

If you’re looking to replace your insulation, think Bradford, the brand the builders use. Our network of trained installers can remove your damaged insulation and dispose of it according to local regulations, and replace it with fresh, high-performance insulation to make your home as comfortable as possible.