Blog

Can I Install Foam Insulation Without Removing Drywall?

You know you need new insulation, but the thought of digging behind your existing walls can be enough to give you a headache ten times over. No one wants to tear everything down like they’re renovating the place just to install a bit of fluff, but that’s why the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando are here to help you out! We’ll teach you how spray foam insulation can be installed without having to remove your drywall with something that we like to call the “cavity wall” method.

Exploring The Cavity Wall Insulation Method

There’s no other way around it, you’ll have to get past your drywall somehow in order to get insulation in and out. Thankfully, it’s not necessary to peel off the entire structure. For cavity wall insulation, you’ll only have to create a few small holes just big enough to allow a tube or nozzle to fit through. These holes don’t need to be any larger than an inch. and that’s easy to close back up later. Much better than replacing the entire wall, don’t you think?

After these small holes are made, all that’s left to do is fill in the space with top-quality spray foam insulation left to the hands of a qualified professional. We can do this for you here at Foam Bear!

What If There’s Already Insulation Behind The Drywall?

It’s perfectly normal to have some kind of insulation already installed behind your drywall. If this is the case, then it can be removed via a high-powered vacuum! This should always be done first before applying new insulation if you want the best experience.

Why Spray Foam Is The Best Choice For Cavity Wall Insulation

The main thing that gives spray foam an advantage over other materials when it comes to cavity wall insulation is its ability to expand upon contact. What better way to fill in a space that you can’t reach than with insulation that moves on its own?

How Spray Foam Performs

The way that spray foam works is that it starts off as two separate liquids. They are mixed together upon application which causes the combined solution to expand. Closed-cell spray foam can expand by 1 inch in size, but open-cell spray foam can grow even larger by 3 inches in size. This ability to expand makes it the most ideal choice for filling in space behind drywall, performing even better than injection foam in this situation.

Is The Trouble Really Worth It?

Cutting holes, removing old insulation, and the act of combining mixtures for spray foam application all seem like a lot of work just for upgrading insulation. By that time, is the amount of effort really worth the difference? Yes, it is. Spray foam is preferred for residential use because it has a higher R-value and offers more protection than other types of insulation. Plus, the money that you will be saving from lower energy bills and avoiding damages can be enough to pay for your spray foam over time.

Read more > The Top 5 Uses For Residential Spray Foam

To get the best that spray foam has to offer without the hassle, just call your trusted professionals at Foam Bear Orlando!

Let Foam Bear Take The Stress Out Of Insulating Your Walls!

At Foam Bear Orlando, we’re pros at removing old insulation and upgrading homes with top-grade spray foam products, even behind drywall! Our expertise is why people love choosing us for all of their insulation needs. Call us today at (727) 580-1090 to get started with a free quote on your next service!

Blog

7 Common DIY Spray Foam Mistakes To Avoid By Hiring A Professional

You’ve been searching high and low across the internet for a “yes or no” answer to what should be a simple question: Can I DIY spray foam insulation?. Well, here’s an answer coming to you from licensed professionals with years of experience. Yes, you can spray your own foam. However, there’s a good chance that it won’t come out how you want. As your trusted spray foam experts, we’re also here to tell you the most common DIY spray foam mistakes that you can easily avoid by hiring a professional like the ones at Foam Bear Tampa!

 

1. Underestimating The Amount Of Spray Foam You Get In DIY Kits

 

The amount of foam that you get in store-bought DIY kits is decent for patch jobs and whatnot, but you can’t expect to insulate an entire home with what it gives you. You would have to buy a few kits for a chance at full coverage, and that’ll cost you much more than just hiring a professional. You also need to account for the cost of damages that come from imperfect installation because let’s face it, you don’t have the training. But that’s perfectly okay because that’s why we’re here!

 

2. Neglecting To Remove Old Insulation Before Starting

 

People forget that they already have insulation in their homes when they buy DIY spray foam kits. This often leads to the last-minute decision of placing the foam over the existing insulation, thinking that it’s probably harmless. The truth is that you need to remove old insulation first or else you could be dealing with mold, rot, gaps, and more. Neglecting this fact is just poor practice.

 

3. Miscalculating The Number Of Safety Precautions

 

Throwing on a pair of gloves and a mask isn’t always enough protection when handling spray foam insulation. It takes patience and training to avoid the lesser-known safety hazards, like unknowingly touching your face after coming into contact, forgetting that the particles can get in your clothing, or re-occupying the home before the spray foam has had enough time to fully cure.

 

Learn more > How Long Until Spray Foam Has Fully Cured?

 

4. Unknowingly Applying Spray Foam Near Potential Hazards

 

Aside from being a threat to yourself, your safety could also be on the line depending on where you apply your spray foam. Many DIYers will make the mistake of installing insulation near electrical equipment and other fire-prone areas. It’s also not a good idea to place the foam where it can easily get wet.

 

5. Failing To Be Mindful Of Temperatures

 

Almost like a science experiment, temperatures can greatly alter your entire experience. The spray foam must be at an appropriate temperature when it’s applied or it might not stick and settle properly. The temperature of the room can also exhibit similar effects if it’s too cold or too hot.

 

6. Spraying Foam In An Inconsistent Manner

 

It takes skill to eject spray foam at a consistent thickness throughout the entire installation process. This task is harder than it sounds, and we don’t expect an untrained individual to be good at it first try. If the spray foam is too thin, it won’t insulate like it’s supposed to. But if it’s too thick, it won’t cure all the way in a timely manner.

 

7. Using A Poor-Quality Spray Foam Product

 

And lastly, perhaps the biggest mistake that a DIYer can make is choosing a mediocre spray foam product. Not all spray foam offers the same properties, and top-brand spray foam products are typically only available through a certified supplier.

 

Do It The Right Way, Hire Foam Bear Tampa Today!

 

It’s vital to hire a spray foam installer you can trust, and that’s why we advise you to call Foam Bear Tampa at (727) 580-1090 for spray foam installation near you! Get started with a free estimate on your next service.