How to Wet Fiberglass

Use a spray bottle to apply water to the fiberglass.

Fiberglass was created in 1938 by the Owens Corning company to use in insulation for the home. Today, however, the term fiberglass has become known as a term meaning any material made of thin fibers of glass that are structured into a woven layer (boats or kayaks can be made of this material). Though glass does not absorb water, rolls of loosely knit fiberglass, such as wall insulation, can hold water and by doing so decrease the cushioning quality.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of insulation
• Scissors
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Purchase a roll of fiberglass wall insulation. Pull off (by hand) the paper water barrier on one side of the insulation. Cut the fiberglass roll to the desired length/size using scissors.

2. Place the fiberglass on a flat surface (make sure the surface is waterproof and won't absorb, or be damaged by, any water). Pour water into a water spray bottle.

3. Spray water evenly over the top of the fiberglass until it begins to soak through. Wait until the water soaks evenly into the fiberglass. Spray more water as required until the water reaches through to the bottom (or desired depth) of the fiberglass.

Tips & Warnings

• The thickness of the fiberglass can be measured before and after the water has been applied to see how much effect the moisture has on the cushioning quality of the fiberglass. It can also be pushed down when wet to see if the fiberglass will return to its original thickness.

• The water can also be colored with food dye to see more clearly how quickly the water soaks through the fiberglass.

• Wear gloves when cutting the fiberglass to size and removing the vapor barrier paper, as it may irritate the skin.

References

• Glasspar Owners Association: The History of Fiberglass
• Owens Corning Innovations For Living: Residential Insulation