As energy prices in Northeast Pennsylvania continue to climb, homeowners are looking for new ways to reduce their heating bills and improve their comfort.
If you’ve already insulted your attic and basement, insulating your walls can be a worthwhile investment to save on heating bills and add soundproofing between walls.
However, unlike open attic spaces and basements, standing homes with existing walls can be much more difficult to insulate.
Luckily, specific insulating materials and tools are designed to reach behind existing walls without knocking down and replacing the drywall. This guide will help you insulate behind existing walls, including choosing the right materials and professionals for the job.
Can I Insulate Behind Existing Walls?
Yes, you can insulate behind existing walls using what is called “drill and fill” insulation. This technique allows contractors to insert a small hole from the outer side of the wall and fill in the empty cavities without having to knock down the actual drywall.
The two most common types of drill and fill insulation include blown-in insulation (i.e., cellulose or fiberglass) and injection foam.
It is also possible to insulate behind existing walls by cutting out some of the drywall to install spray foam or fiberglass batts. However, this is a much more expensive and invasive process.
Benefits of Insulating Behind Existing Walls
While attic and basement insulation will deliver the highest benefits, there is still ample opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort by insulating between existing walls. Some of these benefits include:
- Energy Savings: Proper insulation significantly lowers heating and cooling costs, saving money in the long run.
- Increased Comfort: If you have an older home in NEPA, then you’ve probably suffered from constant drafts that can impact comfort between rooms. Insulating interior walls can deliver a balanced environment with fewer drafts and better temperature regulation.
- Noise Reduction: Insulation offers natural soundproofing, which can be an added bonus when insulating between rooms.
- Eco-Friendliness: Insulated walls help place less strain on your HVAC system, reducing carbon emissions and prolonging the life of the system.
Best Materials to Insulate Closed Walls
Insulating behind existing walls requires “drill and fill” insulation, which can be installed to fill voids and gaps without tearing down the wall. Here are the best insulation options for this purpose.
Injection Foam
Considered the superior insulation option for interior walls, injection foam offers the same thermal resistance as traditional spray foam insulation and can be installed behind existing walls. Injection foam offers air-sealing qualities and can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Blown-in Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is among the most affordable and popular insulating materials in the United States. This insulating material is available in a loose form that can be blown into your walls using a special machine. Blown-in fiberglass offers comparable R-value (thermal resistance) to fiberglass batts and rolls you would purchase at the store.
Blown-In Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper materials, such as newspapers, that have been treated with fire-retardant chemicals to prevent fire. Its primary benefits are that it’s eco-friendly and affordable, and it lasts between 10 and 20 years when installed.
Alternative Methods that Require Replacing Drywall
If blown-in insulation isn’t suitable or you have access behind the drywall, you can also consider these insulation materials:
- Spray Foam: Best handled by professionals, spray foam offers superior air sealing and insulation.
- Rigid Foam Panels: Foam boards are easy to install and offer great thermal resistance. However, we recommend air sealing with spray foam around any gaps or edges.
- Fiberglass Batts: Common in new construction homes, these batts offer great thermal resistance and can last for a few decades under ideal conditions.
Should You Hire a Professional?
While some insulation projects can be tackled DIY (though we don’t always recommend it), insulating behind existing walls almost always requires the help of a professional. A professional insulation contractor has tools and techniques to access interior wall cavities without knocking down the wall.
As a rule of thumb, consider hiring a contractor if:
- Your walls contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint.
- You want to use spray foam insulation, which requires specialized equipment.
- Your walls are difficult to access, or you’re unsure about DIY techniques.
For all insulation projects, including behind existing walls, in Northeast Pennsylvania, contact the experts at NEPA EnergySmart. We have the tools and experience to make any project go smoothly and give you decades of comfort and relief. Contact us today for your free quote.
FAQs
Can I insulate walls without removing drywall?
Yes, blown-in or injection foam insulation can be installed without extensive demolition. Commonly referred to as “drill and fill” insulation, these materials can be installed by drilling a small hole outside the wall and filling the empty cavities.
What is the best insulation for existing walls?
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass is cost-effective and minimally invasive. However, injection spray foam provides superior performance and air-sealing qualities.
How do I check if my walls are insulated?
Drill a small inspection hole in an inconspicuous area and use a flashlight to check for insulation. Contact a qualified contractor if you have more questions.
