Christian Construction is based in Staten Island, and here in Staten Island, many of the homes around us – in North Shore, South Shore, and Mid Shore – are older.
Some are from the 1920s. Some are from the 1960s. Some are from the 1940s. Homes in this area have many different ages and styles. But one thing they did not have were the standards that we require today. Many of these homes were designed without some of the features that are now required in new homes, and one example of this is insulation.
You’ll find many homes – especially those prior to 1980 – have little to no insulation in the walls, especially if the siding or other materials have not been replaced. This can make for some very cold winters and very hot summers. Improving insulation in the exterior walls is a great way to not only have more comfortable seasons, but also to save money on your energy bills.
One of the best times to add insulation is during a siding replacement. When we replace your siding here at Christian Construction, we can add insulation and make your home more comfortable. But not everyone wants or needs new siding. Can you add insulation without extensive construction?
Yes. In fact, it can be cheaper to do so as well, but there are downsides.
Ways to Improve Insulation on a Property
The following are a few ways that you can improve the insulation on your property without redoing your siding. These include:
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is one of the most popular methods for improving wall insulation without removing siding. This process involves injecting insulation material into the wall cavity through small holes drilled into the wall.
Common options include cellulose, fiberglass, or spray foam insulation. Each has its own benefits, but cellulose is often preferred for its eco-friendliness and ability to fill gaps effectively.
Smaller holes are drilled into the wall from either the interior or exterior, and insulation is blown into the cavities. Afterward, the holes are sealed and patched.
This method improves insulation without significant disruption, and it works well for older homes with little or no existing insulation. But it has to be completed carefully, moisture has to be taken into account, and different materials run different risks of settling. It might be good idea to first perform an energy audit before doing this type of insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation can also be injected into exterior walls without removing siding. It expands to fill gaps and cracks, providing excellent thermal resistance and an airtight seal.
Open-cell foam offers good insulation and soundproofing, while closed-cell foam provides higher R-value and additional moisture resistance.
A professional injects the foam into wall cavities through small drilled holes, ensuring even coverage and minimal gaps.
Spray foam not only insulates but also acts as a moisture barrier, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Since moisture issues can be a big risk of adding insulation, the benefits of this can be fairly significant. But there are still risks to this type as well. One is, ironically, that it is too effective. You need some air space to breathe and prevent issues like carbon monoxide poisoning. So it has to be completed with those in mind, and may require additional installations to allow for things like air flow.
Interior Wall Insulation
If exterior modifications are not feasible, insulating from the interior may be an alternative. This approach involves adding insulation to the inside of the walls.
You can add rigid foam insulation panels or install new drywall with built-in insulation. This increases thermal resistance without disturbing the exterior.
This option is ideal for homes undergoing interior renovations or if access to the exterior is limited. It is still a big project as *all* of your drywall will need to be removed and replaced, but the cost to replace drywall may be less than the cost to replace siding in some cases (though this depends on your property.
Weatherproofing Enhancements
Improving insulation isn’t only about adding materials inside the walls. Addressing drafts and leaks around windows, doors, and other penetrations can significantly boost wall performance.
Apply caulk or weatherstripping around windows, doors, and utility penetrations to reduce air leakage. If you’ve also planned on replacing your windows, you may find that window replacement offers the energy efficiency upgrades you were looking for, due to the thicker and more energy efficient windows that they have today.
Professional Installation and Alternative Options
Overall, it IS possible to add insulation to your property without taking out all of your siding. There are downsides to every approach, and it is CRITICAL to find an experienced, accountable contractor to do it, as there are very real risks to improperly installed insulation.
That said, the easiest time to improve insulation is during a siding replacement, and many of these exact same older homes are well overdo for new siding. Because of that, it may be better to start budgeting for new siding soon rather than do new insulation now. The easiest time to replace insulation is when your siding is replaced (especially with insulated siding available) and so it may be in your best interests to schedule for siding instead.
Please note that Christian Construction has some of the best rates for siding in the entire borough, so you may be surprised how affordable your new siding is. We strongly encourage you to contact us for an estimate.
Achieving Better Insulation Without Removing Siding
Upgrading insulation in exterior walls without removing siding is achievable through methods like blown-in insulation, spray foam, or interior modifications. These solutions improve energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings while preserving your home’s exterior. But they do come with downsides. If you’re concerned about your insulation, reach out to Christian Construction, today.
