What Happens To The Old Insulation In The Walls When Adding Foam Insulation In Fort Collins?
Insulation removal is often the first step toward making meaningful energy upgrades in older Fort Collins homes. Aging insulation can lead to a range of issues, including drafts, temperature fluctuations, increased energy bills, and even moisture or pest problems. To restore comfort and efficiency, many homeowners turn to spray foam insulation, which offers superior thermal performance and an airtight seal.
However, before jumping into installation, it’s important to understand what type of insulation currently exists in your walls and whether it should be removed or can stay in place.
This article from Ascend Construction explores what happens to old insulation during a spray foam upgrade and how to prepare your home for the best results.
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What Happens To The Old Insulation In The Walls When Adding Foam Insulation?
Contents
- What Happens To The Old Insulation In The Walls When Adding Foam Insulation?
- Other Considerations for Spray Foam Installation In Fort Collins
- FAQs About Spray Foam Insulation Installation
- What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Upgrading to Spray Foam Insulation?
- Can Spray Foam Insulation Be Installed in Older Homes?
- How Do Insulation Contractors Assess Wall Conditions Before Installing Foam?
- Is There a Risk of Trapping Moisture Behind Spray Foam?
- How Does Spray Foam Impact Indoor Sound Levels?
- Are There Eco-Friendly Options Within Spray Foam Products?
- Conclusion
- Improve Comfort & Efficiency with Expert Insulation Services from Ascend Construction
Below, we discuss what an insulation contractor considers before they add updated insulation, such as spray foam, to your home. You can also do a little research on your own. Here’s how:
Get to Know Your Old Insulation
How do you make way for the new material? What happens to the old insulation around your home? The answers will depend on the current setup. Therefore, you must first investigate the contents of your walls. The easiest way to get information is to ask the previous homeowners. If you do not have their contact details, try asking your real estate agent instead. Perhaps this person can give you answers. If not, you may have to roll up your sleeves and perform a manual inspection. You can also get the assistance of insulation experts.
For the exterior walls, you can cut a small section of your drywall to check the interior. It should be enough to see exactly what insulation you are dealing with. Just patch it back up when you are done. If you prefer a less intrusive method, drill a hole in the wall. Concerned about leaving a mark? Do this inside a closet that is built into an exterior wall. You can also drill behind furniture to hide the hole later.
A professional can use an inspection scope to get a better look inside. Your baseboards may also have gaps that are big enough to see through.
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When to Remove or Keep Insulation In A Colorado Home
Now that you know what you are dealing with, you can proceed to the next steps. If you have fiberglass insulation, it typically remains in the wall cavity during the spray foam insulation installation project. It will not have any negative effects on the new material. The spray foam can push it down upon injection and fill the space.
Other types of insulation, such as cellulose fibers, can create problems down the road. Check how much cellulose is in the walls. If it exceeds a threshold, professionals may recommend its removal before adding foam. Each case requires careful evaluation by a certified insulation contractor.
Removal strategies depend on how the cellulose clings to the wall. In most situations, experts remove the bottom siding around a home and try to access each stud cavity. They can rely on the strong suction force of a vacuum machine to get every trace of the old cellulose.
After cleaning the walls, they can install the spray foam. However, sometimes the old insulation material is glued into place, making it impossible to remove. In this case, spray foam insulation may not be feasible. Seek professional advice on viable alternatives.
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Other Considerations for Spray Foam Installation In Fort Collins
Drywall Removal
Assuming that you can install spray foam, you must first prepare the home to accept the new insulation. That means hiring a professional to remove the drywall to expose the cavities where the foam will reside. The material will expand to fill these spaces.
You need to expose the wall interiors to give the foam enough room to rise and provide an airtight seal. If you do not remove the drywall, the expansion might produce tremendous pressure against anything in its path. You may end up with significant damage on your walls.
Priority Locations
If you are on a tight budget, be strategic with your spray foam installation. Prioritize vital areas to get the most out of your money, including the basement, crawl spaces, walls, attic, and skylight shafts. Poorly insulated basements can get cold and damp. Adding spray foam will help you lower heat loss and humidity, resulting in reduced energy bills and greater comfort. The foam will also keep the pests out for better health. As for crawl spaces, focus on the rim joists to seal air leaks and stop drafts.
The attic can get extremely hot in the summer, and that heat radiates across the home. Add insulation in this area to keep your family comfortable despite the scorching sun. If you can do this, you won’t have to rely too much on your air conditioner for cooling.
You can decrease energy consumption throughout the season. After you are done with the space, it will be comfortable enough to serve as more than just a storage area. You can turn it into a home office or another bedroom.
Consider adding foam around your skylight shafts as well. It will let you enjoy natural light while shielding you from extreme weather. Take advantage of its sealing ability to prevent air and water leaks. It helps with energy efficiency and prevents water damage.
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FAQs About Spray Foam Insulation Installation
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Upgrading to Spray Foam Insulation?
Upgrading to spray foam insulation offers significant long-term benefits. It can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency by minimizing air leaks and heat transfer, resulting in lower energy bills year-round.
Additionally, it strengthens the structural integrity of walls, resists mold and mildew growth due to its moisture-resistant properties, and contributes to better indoor air quality by sealing out allergens and pollutants. Over time, these advantages can offset the upfront installation cost and increase your home’s resale value.
Can Spray Foam Insulation Be Installed in Older Homes?
Yes, spray foam insulation can be installed in older homes, but the process may be more complex than in newer constructions. Contractors must carefully evaluate the existing wall structure, electrical systems, and insulation materials to determine feasibility.
In many cases, walls must be opened up to expose cavities, and older wiring may need updating to meet code requirements. An insulation expert can guide you through a safe and effective installation plan tailored to the age and condition of your home.
How Do Insulation Contractors Assess Wall Conditions Before Installing Foam?
Insulation contractors use several techniques to assess wall conditions before applying spray foam. These include visual inspections, thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature variations, and inspection scopes inserted through small drilled holes.
These tools help contractors understand the type, condition, and amount of existing insulation, as well as any potential obstructions like pipes or wires. This evaluation ensures that the spray foam will adhere properly and perform as expected without causing structural or safety issues.
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Is There a Risk of Trapping Moisture Behind Spray Foam?
There can be a risk of trapping moisture if spray foam is applied over damp materials or in improperly ventilated areas. To prevent this, professional installers test surfaces for moisture content and ensure that cavities are dry and clean before application.
Additionally, closed-cell spray foam has low vapor permeability, which helps resist moisture buildup. In contrast, open-cell foam may allow some vapor diffusion, so it’s important to match the foam type with the specific location and environmental needs.
How Does Spray Foam Impact Indoor Sound Levels?
Spray foam insulation significantly improves acoustic performance within the home. Its dense and flexible structure helps absorb sound vibrations and reduce transmission between rooms and from the outdoors. While not specifically designed as soundproofing, spray foam is much more effective at noise reduction than traditional fiberglass or cellulose insulation. It’s especially useful in high-traffic areas, near busy streets, or between floors to create a quieter indoor environment.
Are There Eco-Friendly Options Within Spray Foam Products?
Yes, some spray foam products are formulated with environmentally friendly components, such as low-global-warming-potential blowing agents and renewable materials like soy-based polyols. These options reduce environmental impact while maintaining excellent insulating performance. Ask your insulation contractor about green insulation choices if sustainability is a priority for your project.
Conclusion
Adding spray foam insulation to your Fort Collins home can significantly improve comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality—but it’s not as simple as spraying over what’s already there. In many cases, insulation removal is a necessary first step, especially when dealing with older materials like cellulose that may interfere with foam application.
Understanding the type and condition of your existing insulation is essential to avoid moisture issues, structural concerns, or reduced performance. By working with a qualified insulation contractor, you can ensure a thorough assessment, proper insulation removal, and a clean, effective installation. With expert help, you’ll maximize your investment and enjoy a quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient home throughout the seasons.
Maximize Comfort, Minimize Waste: Discover how new insulation can transform your home’s efficiency with Ascend Construction’s trusted team. Call now for service!
Improve Comfort & Efficiency with Expert Insulation Services from Ascend Construction
Ready to make your Fort Collins home more comfortable and energy efficient? Ascend Construction specializes in insulation removal, professional installation, air sealing, energy audits, whole-house fan systems, and more. Our skilled team delivers top-tier workmanship and smart energy solutions—all at a fair price.
Contact Ascend Construction today to schedule your insulation service and start your home upgrade with confidence.
Contact Ascend Construction for a free consultation today. We can provide you with practical solutions to address the problem areas in your Fort Collins home. All of our services are affordable, and our work is guaranteed. Click here to contact us, or click the button below to give Ascend Construction a call. We offer no-obligation, in-home consultations.
Ascend Construction
4115 County Road 19
Fort Collins, CO, 80524
(970) 420-5495
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