What happens to insulation that has lost its R-Value due to water intrusion?

When insulation loses its R-Value due to water intrusion, it indicates that the material can no longer effectively resist heat flow. R-Value measures the thermal resistance of insulation, and once water infiltrates the material, it often becomes saturated, resulting in a significant decrease in its insulating properties. This degradation is caused by the water making the insulation heavy and causing it to lose its structure and effectiveness.

In most cases, insulation that has compromised its R-Value due to water damage cannot be adequately dried or restored to its original performance levels. While certain types of insulation materials may be salvageable in other circumstances, when the R-Value is lost from water exposure, replacement is typically the most reliable option. This ensures that the insulation retains its intended thermal performance and safety standards, preventing further issues such as mold growth or energy inefficiency that could arise from damaged materials.