GRAND RAPIDS Blog

A Guide to Dense Packing Insulation | Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids

Most homeowners are aware of the vital role home insulation plays in keeping their house comfortable. Yet up to 90% of homes nationwide are under-insulated, leaving homeowners to struggle with higher HVAC costs and excessively cool or warm rooms throughout the year. For that reason, Koala Insulation offers dense packing insulation, a minimally invasive, thermally efficient solution that can lower energy costs throughout the year. Here’s what you should know about this valuable process.

What Is Dense Packing?

Most home insulation, particularly fiberglass batts, is packed into wall cavities too loosely for maximal thermal efficiency. Insulation that is too loosely packed will allow air to pass through, reducing a structure’s resistance to heat transfer and making it more susceptible to overheating in the summer and colder temperatures in the winter.

To counteract this issue, Koala Insulation offers dense packing, a process that involves tightly packing blown-in insulation into under-filled wall cavities. The resulting insulated layer will be denser and allow less air to penetrate.

Dense packing can be done from inside or outside of a home. When carried out inside, we may have to drill small holes in drywall to access wall cavities, after which the holes will be filled with foam plug. When done from the exterior, it’s typically necessary to remove sections of siding to drill holes, which will be replaced once work has concluded.

Benefits of Dense Packing

The benefit of dense packing insulation is the decreased strain on a home’s HVAC system and consequently lower energy costs. When outdoor air can penetrate a structure, indoor air can also leak out, and in either case, an HVAC system will have to work harder to keep interior temperatures at desired levels. 

The tighter seal produced by dense-packed insulation can also reduce the risk of moisture accumulation, and with it the risk of mold and mildew growth. Pests will also find it more difficult to get through tightly sealed walls. The combined effects of these advantages will result in rooms that are cleaner, more comfortable, and safer.

If you’re interested in enhancing your home’s thermal efficiency with dense packing, get in touch with Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids.  We are a licensed and insured home insulation contractor who offers the latest solutions to keep homes comfortable and safe throughout the year. Call (616) 333-6667 to request a free estimate, and visit us online for more information on our services.