2007-02-05 17:02:34 · 6 answers · asked by Brokn 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes. Find an electrical outlet on an outside wall, and remove the cover plate. If there is not a small gap between the plaster and the edge of the box, make one with a tool like a file. (You may have to do two sides, as one side will be attached to a stud.) You can then use a flashlight or a probe to see whether insulation is there. Replacing the cover plate will hide any damage.
2007-02-05 17:16:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Checking around an outlet is a good way, but if that doesn't work just drill a small hole someplace hidden...or just tap a nail through the wall and pull it out...then stick something thin and stiff in the hole, like a piece of wire, and wiggle it around. If there is insulation, you will feel the resistance. If you make a little hook in the wire, you can pull a bit of whatever is in there out and see what kind it is. Patch the hole with a bit of painters caulk, or lightweight spackling compound. If you can poke the wire in easily, with no resistance until you hit the outside wall sheathing, you don't have any insulation. The space between the inside and outside is 3.5 inches.
2007-02-06 02:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by roadlessgraveled 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have fiberglass insulation, and you drill a hole in the wall, it will wrap around the drill bit. Then you will know. Do this at the switch or outlet as previously explained, just insert the drill at a 45 degree angle.
A little suggestion. If there is none, and you decide to have some installed, and you have wood lap siding, consider having blown insulation installed by removing the top row of lap siding to blow it in. That way, you will not have the expense of re decorating on the inside.
2007-02-06 09:49:41 · answer #3 · answered by billy brite 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have checked around an outlet as the previously suggested and still do not have an answer, your next step would be to contact your utility/gas company an ask about their energy audits. they usually are free. if you are experiencing a cold house. check the attic insulation. generally 40% of heat loss is due to poor or no insulation in the attic. good hunting.
2007-02-06 02:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by Kim C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the only way to find out unless you have an inspection done on the property!
2007-02-06 01:08:23 · answer #5 · answered by LSD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somtimes you can tell from the attic depending on the layout
2007-02-06 03:10:26 · answer #6 · answered by Joe A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋