Insulating Existing Walls

The RetroFoam Install Process

Get an inside look at the RetroFoam installation process, so you know exactly what to expect.

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Insulating Existing Walls with RetroFoam, See How It's Done

Select your siding type and watch these short install videos to see how RetroFoam is installed from the outside or the inside.

  • Vinyl and Aluminum
  • Brick
  • Wood
  • Block
  • Stucco
  • Drywall
  • Hardie Board

Vinyl and Aluminum Install Video

Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Install

Whether your home has aluminum or vinyl siding, the process to install RetroFoam injection foam insulation is the same.

The installers will remove a row of siding around the entire home. Generally, a 2 ½-inch hole is drilled into each of the stud cavities, and the foam is injected. The installer will run the injection hose up to the top of the cavity and begin injection. Once they get to the middle of the cavity, they will then run the hose from the bottom to the middle. This method ensures the cavity is completely filled.

Once the injection process is complete, the holes drilled into the sheathing are plugged, and the siding is replaced.

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Vinyl and Aluminum Install Video

Brick Install Video

Brick Exterior Install

The insulating brick exterior process is obviously different from other siding materials as it doesn’t make sense to remove brick to gain access to the wall cavity.

In this installation process, three 5/8-inch holes are drilled into the mortar to reach the wall cavity. A hole is drilled at the top, middle, and bottom. This ensures the foam is injected into the cavity and completely fills it.

Once the foam has been installed, the holes are filled with mortar.

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Brick Install Video

Wood Install Video

Wood Siding Install

The condition of the wood siding will decide how the installation of the injection foam is done.

If the wood is in good condition, it can be removed, and the holes would be drilled into the sheathing underneath. Once the installation is complete, the holes are plugged, and the wood siding is replaced.

If the wood is brittle, there is the chance it could break, so it makes more sense to just drill through it.

In both cases, the actual injecting of the foam is the same as vinyl or aluminum siding – the hose is run from the top to the bottom to ensure the foam completely fills the cavity.

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Wood Install Video

Block Install Video

Block Wall Install

The installation process for concrete block walls involves drilling holes into the middle of the wall to access the cores.

The bricks' cores are lined up, so once the holes are drilled, injecting the foam fills those, as well as any other nooks and crannies.

Once the cores and openings are filled, the holes are filled with mortar.

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Block Install Video

Stucco Install Video

Stucco Exterior Install

When insulating homes with stucco siding, three 5/8-inch holes are drilled at the top, middle, and bottom of each cavity.

This method ensures the wall cavity is completely filled with foam.

After the holes have been drilled, the foam is injected into the wall through each hole. Once the job is done, the holes are filled with mortar.

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Stucco Install Video

Drywall Install Video

Inside Install with Drywall or Plaster

When installing RetroFoam from the inside, the prep is vital as you don't want to have drywall dust all over everything.

Your installer will make sure all surfaces and items in the area of the home where the injection foam will be installed are covered in plastic.

Once everything is covered, the installer will do a chalk line on the walls and drill the holes centered on that line.

The installer then runs the hose up to the top of the cavity and begins injecting the foam. The hose is run from the top to the middle and from the bottom up to ensure the cavity is full. 

Once the foam has been installed, the holes are plugged, and a rough patch of drywall mud is applied. 

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Drywall Install Video

Hardie Board Install Video

Hardie Board Install

Removing Hardie board siding during installation is more complex than vinyl or aluminum.

The installation crew will carefully lift the board to expose the nails. If the nails are difficult to remove, the nail heads may need to be cut off. Any existing caulk must also be removed.

Once the siding is removed, the foam is injected, and the holes are plugged. Then, the Hardie board needs to be replaced.

Reinstalling the Hardie board is a process that shares similarities with vinyl or aluminum, but it does involve a few additional steps that are unique to Hardie board siding.

If all the nails come out easily, the crew will reuse the same holes to drive the nails through. If the nail heads had to be cut off, the crew would need to create new holes. Additionally, the crew must re-caulk around the siding once the installation is complete.

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Hardie Board Install Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Can RetroFoam insulation be installed from the inside?

Can the interior existing walls be insulated with RetroFoam?

Can drywall pop or crack during installation?

How long does RetroFoam insulation take to install?

When RetroFoam is injected into the walls, what happens to the old fiberglass?

How can I tell if there is existing insulation in my walls?

What You Get with RetroFoam Insulation

“My house feels much warmer, and my furnace does not run constantly anymore. Highly recommended going with RetroFoam for all your insulation needs."

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