how to insulate exterior walls?

Question

two rooms upstairs in my house are freezing cold and i think it's cause of the exterior wall is there anyway to insulate the wall?

Answer 1

The best way to do this to an existing Wall would be the use of cellulose but, there are some other questions that need to be answered as well being an outside wall do you have vapor barriers in the walls and how much moister is in the rooms ( bathroom etc..) You want to be aware of this with insulation's.
I would not use Poly Styrene insulation in a framed and covered wall as when it expands I could damage the sheet rock and I have seen it short out electrical systems by filling the boxes and grounding out the whole system.

Answer 2

There is a Styrofoam insulation that can be injected into the wall through a hole that is only the size of a pencil eraser. (It is a Dow product)

The foam expands to about 3 times the size of the can and cans of it aren't inexpensive, so it isn't real cheap.

The expansion of the product has also caused problems around windows and doors so they now sell a product that will not build pressure, but it isn't as good for general insulation.

If you decide to go this route you want to become an expert in this stuff before you start using it. The link below should help.

As with many things, the aerosol delivery system utilizes a flammable gas so you need to be very careful when using it around switches to assure that you do not use the switch while the gas is dispersing from the wall. (Taping the switch in position, and taping all outlets so no one can plug anything in would be prudent.)

Good Luck

Answer 3

When you say exterior walls it is somewhat confusing. Unless you remove the drywall you can't insulate from the inside that I'm aware of.

You can do this from the outside if it is a Frame/siding house.

Go to building supply/or home improvement
have dimensions of rooms, they will figure how many bags you will need of insulation.
Some places loan you the hopper if you buy a minimum amount .
Or rent them reasonably priced.
You will need a drill
Drill bit (size ?)
Masks
Gloves
Plugs to plug up holes
At least 2 or 3 helpers

Don't be afraid to ask a place like Lowes or Home Depot. That is the business they are in, and most are well educated on the subjects.

Good Luck!
PS It's never dumb to ask questions, it's a sign of intelligence, because you want to learn.

one to drill
one to fill and plug
one to fill the hopper

Answer 4

I hear blown cellulose insulation is popular for this kind of thing. Rather than having to remove the wallboard or exterior siding, you only have to drill a hole near the ceiling (one between each set of studs) and the machine blows the insulation into the wall. If you DIY, you can rent the machine and buy the insulation at Home Depot.

Answer 5

If the external walls are the real old style with no internal air cavity.. frame the inside with 2x4s.. put the owens pink insulation between the studs.. and cover with sheet rock or particle board...

Mo' money than brains syndrome.. hire a contractor to insulate the rooms.. and pay them well for their time and effort.

Answer 6

There are companys that blow insulation in to the walls from the outside. They drill holes in wall and blow it in. Its a little expensive but worth the money. Look in your local phone book under Insulation.. Good luck, Try to keep warm.

Answer 7

Yes,if the walls are made of brick,it must be done from inside house,is siding or wood it can be done from outdoors,just measure studs to buy the correct insulation..

Answer 8

THEY CAN CUT A 2" HOLE AND BLOW IN EITHER ROCK WOOL OR LIQUID FOAM WHICH QUICKLY EXPANDS GETS EVERYWHERE ....IN ROCK WOOL USE THE ONE WITH HIGHEST 'R' VALUE---MANY YRS. AGO WHITE WAS THE HIGHEST VALUE PINK WAS FAR LESS..........