Quick Answer
The direct answer is good, but emphasizing safety equipment and proper installation techniques, even for open walls, would be a good addition.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
First, analyze your energy bills and physically identify cold spots and drafts in your home to pinpoint problem areas.
Step 2
Determine if you are working with open walls (drywall is removed) or closed walls (drywall is intact), as this dictates your entire approach.
Step 3
Research your local building codes to find the mandatory minimum R-value for exterior walls in your specific climate zone.
Step 4
Carefully inspect the inside of a wall by drilling a small hole and using a boroscope or by cutting a small, patchable section of drywall out of a closet.
Step 5
If installing batts, precisely measure the width and depth of your stud cavities (e.g., 14.5" wide for 16" on-center studs, and 3.5" deep for a 2x4 wall) to buy the correct size insulation.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Batt Insulation (Open Walls) | $0.50 – $1.50 / sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.50 / sq. ft. | 4-8 hours per room |
Rigid Foam Board (Open Walls) | $1.00 – $2.50 / sq. ft. | $2.50 – $4.50 / sq. ft. | 6-10 hours per room |
Blown-In (Drill-and-Fill in Closed Walls) | $0.80 – $2.00 / sq. ft. + rental | $1.50 – $3.00 / sq. ft. | 1-2 days for a whole house |
Spray Foam (DON'T DIY THIS) | N/A | $2.00 – $7.00+ / sq. ft. | Never DIY |
When to Call a Professional Insulation
- When you want to use spray foam insulation. The DIY kits are not a good substitute for the professional-grade equipment and safety procedures required.
- When you need to insulate all the existing, closed walls of your house. A professional blown-in insulation crew is much more efficient and will likely achieve better results.
- If you discover any signs of significant moisture, water damage, or mold. This is a separate issue that needs to be addressed by a specialist before you even think about insulating.
- If you suspect your old insulation might contain hazardous materials like asbestos (commonly found in vermiculite). Stop work immediately and call an abatement professional for testing.
Prevention Tips
- Thoroughly air seal all cracks, gaps, and penetrations with caulk and spray foam BEFORE you install insulation. It's the most important step.
- Always install the code-required R-value for your climate zone, or even go one step higher if you can afford it. Don't cheap out.
- Make sure you install a vapor barrier on the correct side of the wall for your climate (usually the warm-in-winter side) to prevent moisture issues.
- Cut insulation batts to fit snugly around obstacles like electrical boxes and pipes; never compress or stuff them, as this ruins their insulating ability.
- Ensure continuous coverage with no gaps. Even small gaps can significantly reduce the overall performance of the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
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