What If Your Home’s Exterior Walls Are Empty?
Many older homes were built with little—or no—insulation in their exterior walls. If your home feels drafty, uneven in temperature, or louder than it should be, empty wall cavities could be a major part of the problem.
At Green Minds Building, we offer a proven solution: retrofit dense-pack insulation.
What Is Retrofit Dense Packing?
Dense packing is a method of insulating existing walls by filling empty wall cavities with cellulose insulation. We drill small access holes in the drywall, then use specialized equipment to blow insulation into the cavity under controlled pressure.
It’s called dense packing because the insulation is packed tightly enough to:
Prevent future settling
Reduce air movement inside the wall
Improve overall thermal performance
This approach allows us to insulate homes without removing drywall or siding, making it one of the most effective retrofit solutions available.
Where Dense Packing Works Best
Dense-pack insulation is commonly used for:
Exterior walls in older homes with no insulation
Interior walls where soundproofing is desired (bedrooms, offices, shared walls)
Homes experiencing cold spots or inconsistent temperatures
Cellulose is especially well-suited for retrofits because it fills irregular cavities and helps limit air leakage within the wall assembly.
What to Expect During the Process
Dense-pack retrofits are effective—but they’re not clean by default.
These projects require:
Extensive preparation to protect your home
Careful drilling and insulation installation
Thorough cleanup afterward
Once the walls are fully insulated, the access holes are patched and ready for repainting. While the process takes effort, the end result is worth it.
The Result: A More Comfortable, Quieter Home
After dense packing, homeowners typically notice:
More consistent indoor temperatures
Reduced drafts
Improved sound control
Better overall comfort
It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to an older home’s building envelope.
If you suspect your walls may be empty—or if you’re looking to improve comfort and efficiency—we’re happy to help you explore your options.
