Q One of the walls in my 41-year-old
house gets so cold that ice
forms on it. Is there an insulation that
can be blown in from the inside?
Reta Allen, South Holland, IL
A Insulation made from cellulose or
fiberglass can be blown in from either
side, although working from the outside
causes the least hassle. Insulation contractors
usually remove siding, drill holes in the
sheathing, blow in the insulation and then
replace the siding.
But your problem sounds more complex
than that. Even poorly insulated walls
shouldn’t have ice forming on them, and
mold is sure to soon grow there. You may
have major air leakage into the walls or
excessive indoor humidity. We recommend
that you call your local utility and ask for
an energy audit of your home ($250 to
$400). An energy expert will analyze your
home, identify problem areas and discuss
improvements and their costs with you. If
you follow the suggestions, you’ll save on
energy costs, and your home will feel more
comfortable too.
