Can you use fiberglass insulation in a basement after flooding?
Combining foam board and fiberglass insulation is a common DIY approach after tearing out flood-damaged materials, but mixing insulation types requires careful planning around moisture. Using a moisture-resistant alternative like rockwool prevents the insulation from getting ruined if water ever works its way through the foundation again.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Hiring a restoration companyDid this help you?
- 2Using rockwool instead of foam board and fiberglass combinationsDid this help you?
- 3Running dehumidifiers most of the dayDid this help you?
- 4Installing radon mitigation systemsDid this help you?
- 5Improving landscaping grade to move water away from the houseDid this help you?
- 6Choosing glued down carpet tiles that are thinner and do not require a padDid this help you?
- 7Installing other types of flooring despite potential moisture and leveling issues on a concrete slabDid this help you?
- 8installing a sump pumpDid this help you?
- 9checking the grading outsideDid this help you?
- 10using glue-down LVP with a moisture barrierDid this help you?
- 11installing tileDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“We had some minor flooding in our finished basement (if any flooding can ever be called minor) after record rain over the past week.”source ↗
“while the basement is already half demolished, is there anything we should consider doing to improve moisture/water management before reinstalling flooring?”source ↗
“We need to replace our basement carpet after small flood.”source ↗
“Insurance is only going to pay out for a like replacement, and we're not really looking to invest a ton extra for improvements on this house.”source ↗
“Our other thought is that if we go through any kind of flooding event again, pretty much any flooring will need to be replaced, and carpet is the most "expendable" option.”source ↗
“Had some flooding in July with several feet of water. Ripped everything out. I’d really like to insulate myself instead of getting a restoration company. Does it make sense to do foam board insulation and then fibre glass insulation?”source ↗
“I went through a similar renovation project, although it wasn't brought on by water damage rather just a basement that hadn't been renovated since the 70s. I went with rockwool because it doesn't get ruined if there's ever any water that works its way through the foundation”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 4How to regrade a yard after basement waterproofing
- 6Do I need a moisture barrier under basement LVP flooring?
- 2Temporary ways to cover exposed basement insulation
- 11Can I fix a damaged baseboard or do I have to replace it?
- 3Can I insulate and finish basement walls if they get damp?
- 14How to clean mold under water damaged flooring without DIY experience