How To Insulate Your Home Without Removing Drywall

Adding insulation to your Chattanooga-area home is one of the most effective ways to save money on utility costs and make it as energy-efficient as possible. It’s also one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable all year.

For decades, installing new or additional home insulation has required first removing the drywall, which is often a messy, labor-intensive and time-consuming job that disrupts the homeowner’s life. Fortunately, you can now insulate your home without this added step.

These practical and time-saving alternatives ensure improved energy efficiency and comfort without the hassle of demolition, making them appealing solutions for enhancing your home’s insulation with minimal disruption.

Man installing fiberglass batt insulation in a wall

Drill and Fill Insulation

Drill and fill insulation is an innovative technique that involves drilling small holes in the drywall and injecting insulating material directly into the wall cavities. Benefits to this approach include a less-invasive process that’s more cost-effective and involves less time than traditional methods.

Drill and fill installation is straightforward yet highly effective. Its process involves:

  1. Assessment: Professional installers evaluate the areas needing insulation to determine the best approach.
  2. Drilling: Small holes are drilled strategically in the drywall, providing access to the wall cavities.
  3. Filling: Insulating material, such as cellulose or fiberglass, is injected into the cavities, filling them completely and providing a robust thermal barrier.
  4. Sealing: The holes are sealed and repaired, ensuring a seamless finish that blends with the existing wall.

The most common drill and fill insulation materials are cellulose and fiberglass. Cellulose, made from recycled paper products, is well-regarded for its excellent insulating properties and environmental benefits. Fiberglass, composed of fine glass fibers, is famous for its durability and effectiveness in reducing heat transfer.

While traditional insulation installation has long been a popular DIY project for handy homeowners, drill and fill requires professional installation to ensure proper execution and avoid any potential issues. Homeowners should also be aware of the need for careful sealing and finishing to maintain each wall’s aesthetic integrity.

Using Injection Foam

Injection foam insulation involves inserting foam into wall cavities. It provides superior air sealing and has a high R-value, making it more effective at maintaining indoor temperatures.

spray foam insulation being installed with sprayer

The injection foam insulation process includes:

  1. Preparation: A professional installer assesses the insulation needs and chooses the most appropriate type of foam.
  2. Drilling: Small holes are created in the drywall to access the wall cavities.
  3. Injection: Foam insulation is pumped through the holes into the cavities.
  4. Curing: The foam expands and sets, ensuring all gaps are filled.
  5. Finishing: The installer seals the holes and restores the wall surface to its original condition.

Different types of injection foam include open-cell and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam is less dense and provides good sound insulation. Closed-cell foam is denser and offers better moisture resistance and structural support.

Injection foam offers numerous benefits; however, it can be more expensive and requires professional installation to ensure proper application and avoid complications.

Next Steps For Your Home

Insulating without drywall removal is a less invasive and more cost-effective approach that significantly reduces a project’s completion time. When deciding if one of these alternative installation techniques is right for you, consider factors like your home’s specific insulation needs, costs and the necessity for professional installation.

Whether to select drill and fill or injection foam depends on aspects like air-sealing capabilities and R-value. An experienced installer can assess your home and make recommendations tailored to its needs.

Once installed, routine inspections, including checking for signs of settling or gaps that need to be remedied, ensure your new insulation remains effective.

Remember, DIY installation can help you save on some costs, but the results often lack the precision and effectiveness of professional installation, which ensures proper application and maximizes the benefits of your insulation investment.

As a member of the IBP Family of Companies, Therm-Con offers residential insulation services to local homeowners, homebuilders and remodelers. Our over four decades of service in the greater Chattanooga region have earned us a reputation for providing dependable, high-quality products and services you can rely on.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

Can You Add Insulation to Existing Walls?

certainteed fiberglass batt insulation being installed in attic

Having a fully insulated home with the right materials is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, protective blanket that shields you from the harsh elements, ensuring year-round comfort and efficiency.

Whether you aim to improve your home’s energy efficiency or just want to ensure your home stays comfortable year-round, adding new insulation over existing insulation can be a strategic and effective solution.

However, there are several factors to consider before taking the plunge.

Understanding Existing Insulation

A solid understanding of your existing insulation is an important first step in adding new insulation. Some common types of insulation are:

  • Fiberglass batts: These are pre-cut panels made of fine glass fibers and are easy to install but can lose effectiveness if they become compressed or wet.
  • Cellulose: Made from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants, cellulose insulation is commonly blown into wall cavities. It settles over time, which can reduce its insulating properties.
  • Spray foam: This type of insulation is applied as a liquid and expands to fill spaces. It provides higher-quality air sealing and insulation but can be expensive and challenging to remove.

Considerations Before Adding New Insulation

  • Inspection and assessment: A thorough inspection will identify areas where the insulation is damaged, compressed or settled. This assessment will help you determine whether adding new insulation is viable or if the old insulation needs to be removed.
  • Compatibility: Not all insulation materials work well together. For instance, adding fiberglass batts over existing spray foam might not be ideal. Ensure the new insulation is compatible with the old to avoid uneven insulation or potential chemical reactions.
  • Moisture and mold concerns: Adding insulation over damp materials can exacerbate mold problems and reduce the insulation’s effectiveness.
  • Insulation thickness: Over-insulating can cause diminishing returns and may lead to structural issues. Consider the recommended R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) for your climate, home layout, and specific needs.

Benefits of Adding New Insulation Over Old Insulation

  • Enhanced energy efficiency: Adding new insulation over old can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency. This additional layer means your home’s heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
  • Improved comfort: Increased insulation levels lead to more consistent indoor temperatures. They reduce heat transfer and the opportunity for drafts, meaning more stable temperatures consistently and an overall improved comfort level in your home.
  • Cost savings: When your heating and cooling system isn’t working as hard, you’ll notice substantial savings on your energy costs and monthly utility bills.

How to Add New Insulation Over Old Insulation

  • Preparation steps: Start by preparing the existing insulation and space. This involves removing damaged or wet insulation, sealing air leaks, and ensuring the area is clean and dry.
  • Installation techniques: You can leverage new insulation techniques like blowing, which is ideal for filling gaps, or adding batts over existing batts.
  • Professional vs. DIY: While DIY installation can be cost-effective, hiring professionals ensures the job is done correctly. Professionals have the expertise to handle complex insulation projects and can ensure a seamless installation process, providing peace of mind and less stress.

When Should You Remove Old Insulation?

In some situations, completely removing old insulation is a better course of action. If you notice severe damage, contamination, pest infestations, or mold, your existing insulation should be removed.

Additionally, if you’re hoping to upgrade to higher-efficiency insulation, it may not be compatible or possible to blend with existing insulation. This will be key when weighing the benefits of the new insulation vs. a different type.

Why You Should Consult Professionals

Adding new insulation over existing insulation can be a highly effective way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the current state of your insulation, ensure compatibility, and address any moisture issues before proceeding.

Consulting with insulation experts like our team of highly trained professionals at Therm-Con is the best first step. We can provide personalized advice and ensure the job is right, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Contact us to schedule your insulation evaluation today.

Gas vs. Wood-Burning Fireplace: What Fireplace Should You Choose?

Fireplaces and You

It’s a cozy winter night, so you make a mug of hot cocoa and curl up on the sofa. What completes this picture? The warm glow of a softly burning fire in your home fireplace. Adding a new fireplace to your house or modifying an existing one is a wonderful home project with many important decisions to make along the way.

One key factor in selecting the right fireplace for your home is what fuel source your fireplace should use. Gas and wood-burning fireplaces are increasingly popular options, but which is the best fit for you?

To make this choice, let’s review the role a fireplace will play in your home, the benefits of gas and wood-burning models and the impact of lifestyle, efficiency and personal preferences on your perfect fireplace selection.

A wood-burning fireplace with tan bricks making up the chimney and logs nearby.

Does Your Home Need a Fireplace?

The two main reasons people want a fireplace in their home are functionality and ambiance. A fireplace’s function is simple: It produces heat. It supplements the broader heating system you already have installed in your home. Getting one comes with a set of practical considerations like safety, convenience, installation, maintenance and the project’s overall cost.

Ambiance, while harder to define, is often no less important. What kind of feeling do you want the fireplace to contribute to your home, and how will the customization options, cleaning routine and sensory experience of any given fireplace meet those wants and needs?

Also worth considering is your unit’s environmental impact and how the installation of a fireplace will impact your home’s resale value.

A cozy wood-burning fireplace with a wooden mantel in a white living room

Benefits of a Gas-Burning Fireplace

A gas-burning fireplace’s greatest strength is its convenience, from maintenance to cleaning. Here’s a fuller breakdown of considerations:

  • Convenience: These fireplaces don’t require complex prep time to use and are often operable via remote control.
  • Customization: While there are plenty of flexible options for both gas and wood-burning fireplaces, gas offers a slightly wider array.
  • Environmental impact: These units release fewer pollutants. However, unlike wood, gas is not a renewable resource.
  • Cost: This can vary depending on where you live. While these units are more costly in some respects, they may balance out if you live in an area without ready access to firewood.
  • Safety: Both units have important safety considerations. Potential problems that could arise from a gas-burning fireplace, like carbon monoxide or a gas leak, are rare and simple to prevent through regular annual inspections.

Benefits of a Wood-Burning Fireplace

There is no match for the charm of crackling firewood in a well-tended hearth. While this might make wood fireplaces a clear winner for those seeking ambiance, there are plenty of other benefits to this classic:

  • Cost: If you have ready access to firewood, a wood-burning fireplace may be a more affordable option.
  • Convenience: These involve more setup as you prepare your fire. However, for many people, the effort of building and tending to a fire is part of the rich experience they want in a home fireplace.
  • Safety: There is a different level of active participation from the user, but a wood fire is perfectly safe with proper supervision.
  • Maintenance: Ash removal and annual inspections are the main maintenance considerations for these units.
  • Environmental impact: Wood is renewable, though burning it releases more CO2.

Finding the Right Fireplace for Your Home

Whether you’re better served by a clean, convenient gas fireplace or the earthy beauty of an affordable wood-burning one, there are plenty of options available to suit the needs of your personality, home and budget.

Rather than accepting a one-size solution that might not fit your needs, we recommend some research and even soul-searching as you decide how you want your winters to look and feel.

Learning independently or consulting with local experts is an exciting part of your journey to a cozier home. Contact Therm-Con to learn more.

Homeowners’ Guide to Fireplace Styles

Logs burning in fireplace.

Adding a fireplace to your Tennessee home can be a great way to create a cozy, inviting ambiance while adding supplemental heating. But what fireplace style is best for your living environment, and where should you consider installing a fireplace in your home?

In this blog post, the fireplace experts at Therm-Con offer a comprehensive guide covering all fireplace styles and options so you can make the most informed decision for your home’s comfort and style.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Your Fireplace Options

When selecting the right fireplace for your home, you’ll need to consider the fuel option. There are several fireplace options to choose from, including:

Wood-Burning Fireplace

Pros

  • Ambiance: Wood-burning fireplaces offer a traditional, cozy, rustic feel with the crackling sound of burning wood.
  • Heating: These fireplaces offer a high heat output, making them perfect for supplemental heating in large spaces.

Cons

  • Maintenance: Wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance and regular cleanings to remove ash and ensure proper chimney upkeep.
  • Eco-friendliness: These fireplaces tend to produce more emissions, contributing to air pollution.

Gas Fireplace  

Pros

  • Convenience: Gas fireplaces are easy to use with a simple on/off switch or remote-control feature.
  • Cleanliness: These fireplaces produce less ash or soot, making them easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

  • Installation: Installing a gas fireplace for the first time can be costly, especially when venting is required.
  • Ambiance: Without the crackling wood, a gas fireplace doesn’t offer the same cozy atmosphere as a wood-burning fireplace.

Ventless Gas Fireplace

Pros

  • Installation: Since they don’t require a vent, ventless gas fireplaces are much easier and more cost-effective.
  • Space-saving: A ventless gas fireplace takes up less space and can be installed in various locations.

Cons

  • Safety: Without a built-in vent, a ventless gas fireplace requires careful use and proper ventilation to reduce safety risks.
  • Realism: Ventless gas fireplaces can’t mimic the look and feel of true flame patterns as well, making them less convincing in terms of ambiance.

Electric Fireplace

Pros

  • Efficiency: Electric fireplaces can be more cost-effective and energy-efficient than gas fireplaces.
  • Customization: Many electric fireplaces offer various flame effects and color options to suit any mood or stylistic preference.

Cons

  • Heating: Compared to gas and wood-burning fireplaces, the heating output for an electric fireplace leaves something to be desired.
  • Self-Reliance: Since electric fireplaces rely on the power grid, they won’t operate during an emergency, such as a power outage.

Choosing the Right Fireplace Style

Primary bedroom with modern gas fireplace

Along with the fuel source, you’ll also need to consider the style of your fireplace. There are many different style choices available, each of which adds something unique to your space:

Contemporary Fireplaces

These feature clean lines, minimalistic designs and sleek materials such as glass or metal. They offer a modern, streamlined aesthetic best suited for contemporary or minimalist interiors, such as urban lofts or modern homes.

Traditional Fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces are characterized by classic designs, ornate mantels and wood or stone materials, which evoke a sense of timeless elegance and cozy ambiance. They’re best suited for rustic home interiors, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Multi-View Fireplaces

A multi-view fireplace features an opening on two or more sides, allowing you to view flames from different angles. They act as a great focal point in your room and are ideal in larger living areas with multiple seating arrangements.

Open-Hearth Fireplaces

Open-hearth fireplaces feature wide, open fireboxes with exposed flames that offer an unobstructed view of the fire. Homes with spacious living areas will find an open-hearth fireplace ideal as the room’s centerpiece.

Firebox Fireplaces

A firebox fireplace is compact and prioritizes containing the fire, offering a minimalist, efficient design ideal for smaller spaces or modern interiors that focus on simplicity and functionality above all else.

Best Rooms for Fireplaces

The next thing you’ll need to consider when adding a fireplace to your home is where to put it. There are several areas in the home where a fireplace works best, including:

  • Living rooms: A classic choice for a fireplace installation, adding a fireplace to your living room can make it cozy and inviting.
  • Home study: Adding a fireplace to your home office can create a warm, productive atmosphere — especially during cold winters.
  • Bedrooms: A bedroom fireplace adds a touch of luxury and romance to your space, offering a cozy retreat that keeps you warm on cold winter nights.
  • Guest suites: Provide a welcoming feature for your house guests by adding a fireplace to your guest suite area.

Budgeting for a New Fireplace

Finally, it’s time to set a budget for your fireplace installation. The cost of your fireplace will depend on several factors, including the type of fireplace you choose, the size and complexity of its design, installation fees, venting considerations and mantel materials.

Determine your budget range before shopping for a fireplace, taking into careful consideration both the cost of the product and the installation costs.

It’s important to keep in mind what the ongoing operational costs will be for your new fireplace as well. Look into your area’s wood, gas and electricity costs to select the most cost-efficient option for your location.

Also consider how maintenance and repair needs will factor into the total cost of your installation.

Get a Quote on a New Fireplace Installation for Your Tennessee Home

Ready to improve the aesthetic and ambiance of your Tennessee home? Therm-Con offers an extensive selection of top-quality fireplaces that local families need to bring warmth, style and value to their homes.

Our installation professionals have years of experience delivering superior fireplace services to every customer.

Schedule your fireplace installation in Chattanooga by calling our team at (423) 894-8766 today.