Can I insulate inside cavities after drywall is up?
I live in a colder climate in a home completed in the 70’s. The former owner put drywall up in the basement without insulating in some spots causing cold infiltration. In other areas the wall cavities are only partially filled with fiberglass batt insulation – again leaving cold gaps.
Is there anything I can do to better insulate these areas without having to remove the drywall or the outside cladding on my basement walls?
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
Carl,
I'm afraid that there is no easy way to insulate these below-grade stud cavities.
You could try use slow-rising pourable foam insulation, I suppose, if you can find a contractor willing to install it -- but that type of foam is tricky to install, because it often results in drywall bulges or blow-outs.
If this were my house, I would remove the drywall. For more information on the right way to insulate a basement wall, see How to Insulate a Basement Wall.