The walls in your home have the potential for significant energy loss. If they’re not properly insulated, you risk higher energy bills, shorter HVAC system life spans and more noise. For homes that are already built but insufficiently insulated, it may be preferable to install the installation without removing the drywall.
Removing the drywall could damage it and create avoidable, undesired expenses. Retrofitting the home’s insulation with minimal expense is possible, as long as the right methods are used. How does such a project get done correctly?
In this blog post, the experts at Gold Star Insulation explain the best methods for insulating your home without removing drywall.
The Drill & Fill Method
The best, and most common, method for adding insulation without removing drywall is through the drill-and-fill method.
Using the drill-and-fill method, the insulation is blown directly into a closed wall through small holes drilled into the wall. This method produces the best results when used with interior walls or finished walls that need re-insulation. Drill-and-fill is a quicker process than other methods, and with less cleanup after it’s completed.
Typically, blown-in fiberglass insulation with an R-value of 4.3 per inch is the material used for drill-and-fill, producing energy-efficient, noise-reducing results. The resulting thickness tends to be 10 to 14 inches.
Once holes are drilled into the wall, a special blower is connected to the holes, and the material is blown in until the required distribution of insulation is achieved. After that, the holes require minimum labor and material to be closed and finished.
Injection Foam Method
With the injection foam method, wet polyurethane insulation is injected directly into the wall. As it dries, the material — which can either be open-cell or closed-cell polyurethane — expands.
This thick foam tightly fits gaps, crevices, cavities and any other spaces inside the wall. The expansion is just enough so the spaces are filled without creating pressure that can crack or damage the wall.
The foam itself has a wet consistency, like shaving cream. It dries in about 24 hours. The result is highly effective at protecting against drafts and maintaining interior temperatures, due to its high R-value of R-4 to R-5 per inch.
The process of installing with the injection foam method includes:
- Insulation pros mix the insulation material on-site.
- A section of siding is removed.
- Holes are drilled into the structure.
- Installers fill the space using a special hose and nozzle.
Benefits of using the injection method include:
- Best when applied from outside, meaning no disruption inside during installation
- Highly efficient insulator with the potential to reduce energy costs by as much as 50%
- Inherent soundproofing and fireproofing properties
- Helps defend against pollutants and allergens
- Resists mold and mildew growth
Choose Gold Star Insulation for Wall Insulation in Sacramento
Insulating existing walls is not a do-it-yourself project. The experts at Gold Star Insulation have the tools, materials, training and experience to do the job right the first time, safely and efficiently.
We’re an insulation industry leader in the Sacramento area, providing superior work with results you can trust.
Call 916-441-6200 to learn more about wall insulation services from Gold Star Insulation in the Sacramento area.
