Latest Discussions : HVAC

eTexan

07:11AM | 01/13/05
Member Since: 01/12/05
1 lifetime posts

Expandable Foam in Walls

Tags: HVAC
I have a 1970s home in Southern California with stucco exterior. On the inside, the exterior walls feel cool to the touch in the winter, so there is probably no insulation, which was corraborated by my neighbor. I want to add some insulation, mainly just in the bedrooms, but I want to do it myself, if possible.

I was considering using expandable foam (Great Stuff is one type, Hilti has another) and drilling a small hole from the inside through the drywall (since easy to repair)and injecting it between the studs - above and below the lateral fireblocks.

I have worked with this type of foam before, but not in an application like this.

Has anyone done this? How much do I use? Are there any drawbacks, like odor or others?


bravey

07:31AM | 01/15/05
Member Since: 06/23/04
161 lifetime posts
Be very careful. Standard foam insulation expands with more pressure than drywall can handle. If used in a wall the drywall will bulge out between each stud. Homeowners often use standard foam around windows only to find that the pressure caused the frame to bow enough to prevent the window from sliding.

There are special foams available for the installation you describe. They are designed to expand until coming in contact with an obstruction and then stop. They are also somewhat soft and will crumble easily in the hand. If exposed to sun or any abrasion they wil quickly deteriorate. Get a guarantee from the foam supplier that the foam is designed for use in wall cavities and will not cause the drywall to bulge.

Regards


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