GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Can I insulate inside cavities after drywall is up?

Dillcar | Posted in GBA Pro Help on

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 Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    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.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |