One of the most popular options out there is the Tiger Foam spray kit. As a note, you 100% have to use “injection foam. ” The normal polyurethane foam that doesn’t expand can not be applied to finished walls. [2] X Research source DAP offers a Touch ‘n’ Foam kit you can pick up at Home Depot. You’ll need to buy a respirator, a disposable suit, and nitrile gloves separately.
Refer to the thermal imaging regularly when you’re drilling the holes into the wall. The studs, which should sit every 16–24 inches (41–61 cm) in the wall, create closed off pockets in the wall. By applying expandable insulation foam to the center of each section, the foam will spread out evenly through the wall. You can use a stud finder if you don’t want to rent or buy a thermal camera, but it’s a lot more time consuming. It’s also riskier, since a stud finder may not catch electrical lines or pipes.
The final result should look like a series of evenly-spaced holes, all at the same height on the walls. This process can also be completed from the exterior by removing the siding or drilling through the exterior. However, this is especially difficult for a non-contractor to do since you can’t rely on the thermal imaging.
You are not going to perfectly fill each cavity perfectly. Don’t keep spraying once the foam starts pushing back on your nozzle. Use your thermal camera to see if you’re adequately filling up the cavities. If you feel pressure coming back on the nozzle or the drywall starts bulging or buckling, stop. If you fill the wall with too much foam and it has nowhere to go, it can damage the joists, studs, or drywall.
You may need to apply multiple layers of paint to ensure that the repairs blend in.
Pros: The R-value (resistance value), which is basically how efficient the insulation is, is much higher with BIBS. This is also a much more environmentally-friendly option since the insulation is made of natural materials. Cons: BIBS installation tends to be the priciest option, since it requires specialized blowers that are designed exclusively for this process and you tend to need a lot of the blanket material.
Pros: Blown-in cellulose is much more affordable than other options. It also tends to hold up much better to pests and mold due to the boric acid. Cons: Cellulose isn’t necessarily the most efficient insulating material, and it tends to settle over time. This can cause the insulation to build up in the bottoms of your walls, which can make the insulation even less efficient over time.
Batt roll insulation is what most people think of when they picture insulation. It’s that pink stuff that comes in sheets. Insulating your attic is one of the most efficient ways to cut down on your energy costs.
The options here also change depending on whether your basement is finished or not. The basement is more connected to your home than the outside, so insulating it is a great way to keep your lower levels comfortable during extreme weather.
If you’re only insulating 1-2 rooms or walls, it may be worth it to spend a little bit more money to remove the walls. If you’ve got an older home and the insulation badly needs updating, it’s probably going to be more efficient to go the drill-and-fill route.
