You might find that your walls are not properly insulated, whether you have just built a home or are renovating. Your walls may be completely insulated. Spray foam is a great way to increase wall insulation. It is possible to apply spray foam to walls that are already in place without having to tear them down.
Can spray foam insulation be used in walls that are already finished? Although it can be done, it is considerably more difficult and more costly than installing foam when the walls are open.
Follow these steps to install spray foam in existing walls:
- Drill holes in the wall.
- Spray the foam into the holes until you have filled one section.
- Now move on to the next section.
This process can even work when there is other insulation present. The foam will fill in the gaps where there is no insulation. You will need to inspect for mold or dampness if insulation is already present. If this is the case, you might have to take out portions of the wall in order to get rid of the old insulation.
What are spray foam products?
Spray foam insulation is a type of polymer compound that can be sprayed in liquid form before expanding and filling the air gaps. Spray applicators spray the chemicals and initiate a chemical reaction when two components are mixed at the nozzle.
After being sprayed in the cavities between the wall studs, the mixture expands quickly and hardens to a solid foam. The foam expands and fills the air holes in the wall insulating it very efficiently.
How to insulate an existing wall with spray foam insulation
To install spray foam insulation in an existing wall, you will need to create a few small holes around one inch or less in diameter and inject the liquid spray foam directly into the wall cavity.
Once injected, the spray foam will begin to slowly expand and fill every nook and cranny in the existing wall. Once it has fully expanded, the spray foam will harden into a highly effective and durable insulation material.
Can I spray foam into the walls by myself?
While spray foam can be used to insulate walls and other areas, it is not recommended that you install the foam yourself. Even with the kits that you can buy at big box stores, the instructions will state “For Professional Use Only.”
To avoid damaging your home or putting your health at risk, hire a professional spray foam insulation contractor that has ample training, experience, and the necessary equipment to do the job right.
If there is an open flame, materials like the paint used for sealing the foam could catch fire. Although you don’t need to wear masks or safety goggles when spraying chemicals, professionals often use protective suits. It is best to hire a professional to install insulation if you don’t know how to work with the materials or have the necessary safety equipment.
Cost of spray foam insulation in existing walls
The cost to install spray foam insulation in existing homes is $3.15 to $7.50 a square foot. Adding insulation to an existing home has the same cost factors and variables as a new home installation. Thickness and location change the cost of the spray foam project dramatically.
In addition to these factors, you also have accessibility to contend with. While some areas in an existing home are identical in accessibility to a new home, other areas are hard to reach. Existing walls that are finished require the spray foam installer to open up the walls in certain areas. This can add substantially to the cost of installing the spray foam.
Benefits of insulating walls
Insulating or reinsulating existing walls can bring you lower energy costs, less drafts from outlets and, in some cases, a decrease in outside noise.
An air seal provides extra comfort for your home because it reduces airflow through walls. However, the money you can save is worth it. You could save even more money if you protect your entire house from air movement.
Although the cold air moving through your walls may add to your discomfort, there is often more to it.
Spray foam or injection foam insulation can help you save money and keep your home cool and warm during the summer.
Wall insulation will benefit you regardless of what type you choose. Wall insulation will improve the energy efficiency of your home, which will help you save money on electricity.
Spray foam insulation is a good example. Spray foam wall insulation is what you are looking for.
Is wall insulation worthwhile?
You will reap the benefits of any type of wall insulation, no matter how old or new. You will see an improvement in your home’s energy efficiency, which will reduce your utility bills. Spray foam insulation is a great example. Sunlight Contractors is the best choice for spray foam wall insulation installation in New Orleans, La. We pride ourselves on providing efficient, affordable insulation services for the New Orleans community. Our reputation has been built in New Orleans for providing high-quality insulation at a reasonable price.