Spray Foam Insulation Stops Mold and Moisture

Jun 1

Alaska’s cold climate combined with high humidity creates ideal conditions for moisture problems. Water can collect behind walls, in crawl spaces, and in attics, creating the perfect environment for mold. Moisture problems can lead to costly repairs, persistent odors, and even respiratory issues if left unaddressed.

So what can you do? One powerful solution is spray foam insulation. It seals tight, locks out moisture, and stops mold before it has a chance to grow.

The Hidden Dangers of Moisture and Mold in Homes

Moisture doesn’t need a flood or a major leak to cause damage. High humidity and temperature swings make it easy for moisture to sneak into your home through small gaps and cracks. Gaps in insulation, unsealed crawl spaces, and air leaks around windows or doors allow humid air to enter and condense on cooler surfaces.

Over time, that trapped moisture leads to hidden damage behind walls, under flooring, and in attics — places most of us rarely check. Once moisture settles in, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold colonies thrive in dark, damp spaces and are both difficult and expensive to remove once established.

What Mold Does to Your Home and Health

Mold quietly destroys building materials and threatens your health. It feeds on drywall, wood, insulation, and any organic material it touches. Over time, this weakens structural components and drives up repair costs. Exposure to mold can lead to coughing, congestion, and other respiratory issues, especially in sensitive individuals.

Mold wreaks havoc in several ways including:

Damages drywall, wood framing, and insulation
Weakens structural integrity, leading to costly repairs
Triggers health issues like allergies, asthma, and respiratory illness
Releases airborne spores that lower indoor air quality
Endangers vulnerable groups, especially children and older adults

Prevent Mold by Controlling Airflow and Moisture

To prevent mold, you need to eliminate the conditions it needs to grow — primarily moisture and organic material. While materials like wood and drywall are part of every home and there’s little you can do about that, moisture can be controlled.

One of the main ways to prevent moisture buildup is by stopping air infiltration. When humid outdoor air enters through cracks, gaps, or unsealed areas, it brings moisture that can settle in cooler parts of the home and lead to mold. Sealing your home against unwanted airflow helps keep moisture out and reduces the risk of hidden mold growth.

Four Effective Ways to Prevent Mold

Stopping air infiltration is a strong first step, but keeping mold out requires a combination of strategies. From sealing gaps to managing indoor humidity, each measure works together to protect your home.

Seal Air Gaps
This is foundational. Gaps and cracks in a building’s structure allow humid outside air to seep in. Sealing these stops uncontrolled airflow that brings in moisture
Use Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam both insulates and creates a continuous air barrier. This prevents air (and moisture) from entering wall cavities, attics, and crawl spaces. These places are notorious for birthing mold.
Control indoor humidity
Even with sealed walls, activities like cooking and showering can increase indoor moisture. Proper ventilation helps push moist air out and keep humidity levels in check.
Address Moisture Sources Quickly
If moisture gets in through air leaks or plumbing issues, prompt cleanup and repair prevent it from soaking into materials where mold can grow.

Traditional Insulation Isn’t Enough

Fiberglass and cellulose are common insulation materials, but they fall short when it comes to moisture control. These materials can:

Trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold
Lose effectiveness over time, especially when damp
Support mold growth, especially in humid environments
Leave small gaps that don’t seal tightly around framing or penetrations

Incomplete seals allow warm, moist air to meet cold surfaces inside walls. This leads to condensation, hidden moisture buildup, and the perfect environment for mold to grow. For true protection, you need insulation that both insulates and seals. Spray foam insulation does both. It forms an airtight, moisture-resistant barrier that helps keep your home dry, energy-efficient, and mold-free.

How Spray Foam Creates a Protective Moisture Barrier

Spray foam is the ultimate defense against moisture. It creates a powerful barrier that traditional insulation can’t match by sealing out humid air and locking dampness out of vulnerable spaces.

Airtight Seal Means No More Drafts or Moisture Intrusion

Spray foam expands on contact, filling every crack, gap, and oddly shaped cavity like it’s on a mission. Once cured, it forms an airtight seal that blocks drafts and stops humid air from sneaking into your home. Less airflow means less moisture, and less moisture means no surprise science experiments growing behind your walls.

Closed-Cell vs. Open-Cell For Moisture Control

Both types of spray foam insulate, but closed-cell takes the lead in moisture resistance. It’s dense, rigid, and acts as a vapor barrier. It’s perfect for basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Open-cell is lighter and better for sound dampening, but if you’re battling moisture, closed-cell is your go-to. Think of it as the heavy-duty raincoat of insulation.

Spray Foam Is the Right Choice for Homes in Alaska

Alaska’s climate can be relentless and your insulation should be, too. Spray foam stands up to the state’s toughest conditions while keeping homes dry, warm, and efficient.

Built to Withstand Alaska’s Harsh Winters

Spray foam doesn’t back down when the temperature drops. It maintains its insulation power even in deep subzero cold, helping keep your home warm and your heating system from working overtime.

Protects Against Coastal Humidity and Interior Dampness

From rainy coastal towns to interior regions with snowmelt and condensation, Alaska sees moisture in all forms. Spray foam blocks humid air from getting inside and prevents that moisture from collecting where it doesn’t belong.

Perfect for Cabins, Crawl Spaces, and Remote Structures

Off-grid and hard-to-reach places need insulation that works without compromise. Spray foam seals crawl spaces, walls, and roofs tightly, which keeps out moisture, reduces drafts, and cuts down on the fuel needed to stay comfortable.

Long-Term Savings for High-Cost Energy Regions

When energy is expensive or hard to access, efficiency matters. Spray foam helps prevent heat loss, so your home stays warmer with less fuel. That means lower heating costs, which is especially important in Alaska’s rural and remote communities

Trust Chinook Foam & Coating for a Mold-Free Future

Don’t wait for moisture to take over your walls, crawl spaces, or attic. With deep experience across Alaska, Chinook Foam & Coating is your trusted partner for long-lasting, mold-resistant insulation. We understand the challenges of Alaska’s climate and know how to seal homes tight. Whether you're in a coastal town, a mountain cabin, or a remote village, you’re not too far away. We travel statewide, including remote areas, and offer free quotes.

Dina Fine