How to Safely Remove and Replace Wet Insulation

If you’ve just found soggy insulation in your walls or attic, you’re not alone. At Total Home Water Restoration, we see this all the time in homes across Grove City, Columbus, and nearby towns. Wet insulation is a big red flag. Whether from a roof leak, a pipe burst, or flooding, once insulation gets wet, it can’t do its job—and it can lead to mold fast.

Let’s walk through how to safely remove and replace it.

Why Wet Insulation Is a Problem

Insulation is designed to trap air, not moisture. When it gets wet:

• It loses R-value (that’s the measure of how well it insulates).

• It becomes a mold magnet.

• It can sag or fall out of place.

• It may start to smell, attracting pests.

The IICRC S500 standard is clear: wet porous materials like fiberglass insulation must be removed if they’ve been exposed to contaminated water or if drying can’t be completed quickly and thoroughly.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

First, find out:

• Where the moisture came from (roof, pipe, flood?)

• How long the insulation has been wet

• What type of insulation you have (fiberglass, cellulose, foam board?)

If the source of water isn’t fixed, replacing the insulation won’t solve your problem.

Step 2: Remove the Wet Insulation

For fiberglass batts:

• Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles.

• Cut out the wet batts with a utility knife.

• Place them in contractor bags and seal tightly.

For blown-in insulation:

• You’ll need a commercial vacuum to remove it safely.

• Don’t try to bag it manually—it’s messy and unsafe.

Important: If there’s any sign of mold, stop. This becomes a mold remediation job and should follow IICRC S520 procedures.

Step 3: Dry the Area Completely

Before installing anything new:

• Use dehumidifiers and fans to fully dry the framing cavity.

• Check moisture levels with a meter—wood should be under 15% before you move on.

• Look for signs of mold or structural damage.

Step 4: Replace with New Insulation

Choose the right insulation for the space:

• Attics: Faced fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose

• Walls: Unfaced batts between studs

• Basements: Consider rigid foam board (less mold-prone)

Make sure the new insulation fits snugly but isn’t compressed.

Step 5: Seal It Up Right

• If you’re in a wall cavity, install a vapor barrier if local code requires it.

• Reinstall drywall or other finishes.

• Paint with mold-resistant primer if this was a mold-prone area.

When to Call a Pro

If the wet insulation is in a hard-to-reach spot, or if mold is involved, don’t risk it. A certified water damage restoration pro like Total Home Water Restoration has the tools, safety gear, and know-how to handle it right.

Serving Grove City and Central Ohio

We help homeowners in Grove City, Columbus, Hilliard, Dublin, and nearby areas deal with wet insulation, mold, and water damage every week. We’ll treat your home like it’s our own.

Need help with wet insulation or water damage? Call Tyler Zimmerman at Total Home Water Restoration today at 380-246-1837.

“From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.”