Buzz
Upgrade your home's insulation for better comfort year-round
Key Considerations
- Utilize injectable insulation foam by drilling holes in your drywall and applying the expandable foam inside.
- Alternatively, hire a professional to install blanket or cellulose insulation within finished walls.
- For insulating only a few rooms, consider removing the drywall and using standard spray foam for better efficiency.
Installation Steps
DIY Insulation with Spray Foam
Choose the right injection foam spray kit. Injection foam expands inside walls for insulation, commonly known as 'drill and fill' retrofitting. The Tiger Foam spray kit is a popular option, ensuring proper insulation even for finished walls.
Locate studs and wires with a thermal camera. Scan walls to identify cold or hot spots indicating gaps. Avoid drilling into wires or studs, focusing on the wall's center for optimal insulation.
Use a hole saw to drill holes in each wall section.
Wear safety gear and inject insulation into the holes. Don your disposable suit, respirator, and gloves. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the insulation tanks. Insert the nozzle into the wall, fill the cavity, and adjust the angle of the nozzle to ensure proper filling.
Seal the holes and repaint the walls for repair. After filling each wall section, remove excess foam from the holes. Allow the foam to cure before patching the drywall with spackle. Sand the dried spackle after 24 hours and repaint to match the surrounding walls.
Professional Insulation Alternatives
Blow-In Blanket Insulation (BIBS) Consider hiring a contractor for blow-in blanket insulation. This method involves spraying ground-up fiberglass and wool into wall cavities, providing high R-values and eco-friendliness.
Loose-Fill Blown-In Cellulose Another option is hiring a contractor for loose-fill blown-in cellulose insulation. This material, coated with boric acid for fire resistance, offers affordability and resistance to pests and mold.
Insulation Tips for Attics & Basements
Attics For exposed and unfinished attics, the easiest method is to spread loose insulation fill on the floor to create a 7–12 inches (18–30 cm) layer. Consider laying batt insulation between the joists on the walls for future finishing.
Basements It's advisable to hire a professional for basement insulation due to varying ventilation and insulation needs. Any insulation type can be used, but choosing the right option depends on specific factors.
Is Injectable Spray Foam the Best Choice?
Removing drywall is preferable if budget permits. While drill-and-fill retrofitting is efficient, removing drywall and using closed-cell polyurethane spray foam ensures better results. Consider removal for optimal insulation in fewer rooms or older homes with outdated insulation.
