What’s the best way to insulate walls?

Pam Wilson
by Pam Wilson
I live in a townhouse built in the early 2000’s, and the builder did a terrible job of ....well, everything. I am hoping that I can blow insulation in the walls to keep the house warmer. It’s super cold in the winter and cold air leaks in from everywhere! Is this something that can be done by a non-professional? Can it be done at all?

  10 answers
  • Ella Frierson Bond Ella Frierson Bond on Nov 26, 2017

    I don't know for sure, but I think blow-in is all you can do without removing walls. Not cheap, but the best.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Nov 26, 2017

    Before you do anything, I'd recommend that you call your company that supplies your fuel (gas or electric) and see if they can do an audit of your home. That will tell you what you really need and where.

  • Kauai Breeze Kauai Breeze on Nov 26, 2017

    I had insulation blown into my attic and a few walls. It wasn't that expensive because the insulation itself isn't expensive and the process is quick. For walls they cut a 1 1/2" hole thru the plasterboard, between each stud and blow it in from the top, then patch the hole. This would not work if you have paneling. You would need to repaint the walls afterward or use a wall paper border to cover the different paint color. Something you can do yourself is carefully remove the molding around the windows and doors (save it to put it back on). Purchase a can of "Great Stuff", an expanding foam insulation that comes in an aerosol can, at your local Home Center, and squirt it into the spaces around the windows and doors. Once it has dried you can cut off any excess with a utility knife, then nail your molding back on. Another thing many people don't think about is insulating their electric receptacles and switches. Home center sell pre-cut foam sheets you just place behind the receptacle covers. They prevent a lot of cold air from coming in, they also have them for phone and cable receptacles or you could just cut the receptacle one to fit around the connector.

  • Mes28120126 Mes28120126 on Nov 26, 2017

    We drilled holes in the top of each opening between wall studs and blew in loose fiberglass insulation. We saved the hole pieces and glued them in place with a silicone adhesive. We then patched those areas with sheet rock compound using lots of patience sanding between coats until we could no longer feel or see the holes, more patience when we matched the wall texture and then painted them. The ceiling were taken care of by blowing an addition layer of fiberglass in the attic to maximum layer.

  • Big lulu Big lulu on Nov 26, 2017

    Windows are a primary area where cold air creeps in. Caulk.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Nov 26, 2017

    I would call in several contractors to get their advice and quotes. No, you can't blow in insulation yourself.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Nov 26, 2017

    As I understand it... the sprayed in foam insulation is the very best...more expensive... but the best and best done by a professional... and all the dry wall would have to be removed in order to do that... then next best thing is the blown in insulation... just a small hole between each set of studs, which can be easily repaired and painted over. Probably best done by a professional.. as they have all the safety gear and equipment.

    All of the other things can be done too to stop drafts.... and... eventually... you might want to consider replacing all your windows and doors with high efficiency ones... it will save you money in the long run.

  • Scott G. Quinn Scott G. Quinn on Nov 26, 2017

    having insulation blown into the walls does not always work. Most stick construction has fire blocking between either the 2"x4" or 2"X 6" framing. If your insulating contractor does not factor that in the wall interior cavity will not be filled properly.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 26, 2017

    Good Call Linda. I worry that Blow in insulation may just blow right out if the home is so leaky..... You could use Insulation on the inside of your home or Put a new Skin on the outside with insulation. or maybe de-construct it and start again. Do you have Building Insurance? Call in your local Building Inspector? If you are in UK, it would not have passed Building Control!

  • FL FL on Nov 26, 2017

    I can tell you it can be done. Holes about the size of silver dollars are drilled about 6 " from the ceiling on the wall between studs. Insulation is pumped in, then the plug from the wall is plastered back into place and you have to paint it to match and cover the spackle. Can you do it? I had it done by one man who did all the drilling, then used a hose that reached his truck to fill the holes. Are you handy with hand tools? Can you find insulation to pump in containers small enough to handle? I do not recall the process being expensive, so compare prices for DIY and having it done.