- One source for odorous insulation is a rain leak. Rainwater drains through the roof shingles and soaks the surrounding insulation in an attic or drips behind vinyl siding and wets the insulation in walls. From there, the dark confines of the attic or wall and the damp conditions provide a place for mold and mildew growth.
- Blown-in insulation, which is insulation that is not attached to backing plastic and is free moving, is typically a bit easier to replace. Wear long sleeves, long pants, eye protection and gloves as well as a respirator when removing damaged insulation. Check with the local municipality to learn the proper method for disposing of fiberglass.
- Insulation rolls that have suffered water damage and are emitting an odor can be more of an issue to repair than their blown-in counterparts. Suss out how much of the insulation has been damaged and choose between replacing the entire damaged roll or cutting out the rotten smelling section.
- One potential source for rotten smelling insulation in an attic with no apparent roof leaks is an overflowing condensation pan in a central air conditioning unit. Central air conditioner air handlers, typically installed in the attic, act as dehumidifiers. If the condensation pan is not functioning properly or is clogged, overflows can occur and cause damage to the attic. Double check that the condensation pan is draining if you suspect this to be the case.
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