Honestly, I used to think moisture meters were just another gadget, but after pulling out a chunk of soggy fiberglass insulation that smelled like a swamp, I’m a convert. One thing I’d add—if you’re opening up walls, try to cut drywall in clean, straight lines so patching is easier later. And yeah, recycled denim insulation is way less itchy than fiberglass. I’ve even reused some after minor leaks (as long as it dried out fast and didn’t get funky). Just make sure you check the sill plates too—water loves to hide down there.
I’ve even reused some after minor leaks (as long as it dried out fast and didn’t get funky). Just make sure you check the sill plates too—water loves to hide down there.
Cutting drywall in straight lines really does save headaches later, I’ll give you that. I’ve seen folks go wild with the saw and regret it when it’s time to patch. About reusing insulation—personally, I’m a bit cautious. Even if it dries out, sometimes there’s hidden mold you can’t spot right away. Have you ever run into issues with that, especially with denim insulation? Curious if anyone’s had long-term luck reusing it after a minor flood.
About reusing insulation—personally, I’m a bit cautious. Even if it dries out, sometimes there’s hidden mold you can’t spot right away.
I totally get the caution. I tried to save some denim insulation after a small leak last year—looked fine, smelled fine, but a couple months later I noticed this weird musty odor. Pulled it out and, sure enough, there was mold hiding deep inside. Maybe I just got unlucky, but now I’m team “replace it if it got wet.” Anyone else feel like denim insulation is just a magnet for trouble once it’s soaked?
I hear you on the denim insulation, but I’ve actually had better luck with it than fiberglass after minor leaks. The trick for me has been getting industrial fans and a dehumidifier on it right away, then checking with a moisture meter before closing things up. Not saying it’s always worth the risk—if it’s been soaked for days, I’d toss it too. But if you catch it early, sometimes you can save it. Mold’s always a gamble though...
Denim insulation seems like a cool idea until it’s soaking wet and suddenly your basement smells like a high school locker room. I tried to save some after a minor leak last year—thought I was being clever with the fans and dehumidifier routine, just like you said. Even busted out the moisture meter (which, by the way, is now my favorite weird homeowner gadget). It kinda worked, but I still get nervous about what’s lurking inside the walls... There’s something about the word “mold” that makes me want to throw out anything even remotely damp.
That said, fiberglass is just as bad, if not worse. It feels like it holds onto water forever and then you’re itching for days after handling it. Honestly, I’m almost at the point where I’d rather have nothing in there than risk the mold lottery again. Maybe one day I'll try closed-cell foam or just embrace living with cold feet.
