Seek source of moisture in new insulation

Q: Four years ago I had the walls of my brick home insulated with urea-formaldehyde. Within a year the paint on the inside walls began to flake and blister. I got in touch with the person who did the work and was told to go to the insulation manufacturer. Meanwhile, the company has gone out of business. Where can I get some information on how to treat the interior walls before repainting? Should the installer or manufacturer gaurantee against such damage? Eleanore Davis Dearborn Heights, Mich. A: The inside paint condition may indicate moisture in the masonry wall. How it got there is the important question. The answer may be related to the urea-formaldehyde insulation which we presume was introduced into open cores of the masonry.

I'd recommend that a professional and seasoned builder inspect the exterior masonry to determine the source of the migrating moisture. Then halt the moisture flow and repaint the inside walls when thoroughly dry.

Four years after the fact may make it difficult for redress against the insulation manufacturer and installer.

The failure of the manufacturer of the insulation may be related to the assault on urea-formaldehyde by the Environmental Protection Agency now going on. Consult your attorney for advice.