Not all homes are built the same, which can lead to certain challenges when it comes to insulating them.

When all four walls are above ground, it’s easy to inject foam into the cavities. When those exterior walls are partially below ground, it seems like it’s a harder job.

This is the case with tri-level and quad-level homes, but RetroFoam of Michigan has you covered.

We have more than 17 years of experience injecting foam insulation into existing walls and we know exactly how to handle those below-grade walls. We are on a mission to educate homeowners on how they can make their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient.

As part of this ongoing mission, we’re going to explain how to insulate the existing walls of tri-level and quad-level homes. If you make it all the way through, you might even find some bonus information.

How to Insulate Existing Walls in Tri-Level Homes and Quad-Level Homes with Foam Insulation

When insulating the walls of a tri-level or quad-level home, the foundation or below-grade walls, are the tricky part.

This is because the below-grade portion of the wall is actually poured concrete. This means there is no cavity to inject the foam insulation, unlike the top portion of the wall.

The upper half of the wall can be insulated just like normal. A row of siding is removed, a hole is drilled into each cavity, the foam is injected, the hole is plugged, and the siding is replaced. 

This below-grade wall would need to be installed differently. 

The only way to address the below-grade portion of the wall is to inject the foam into the space behind the drywall. This method would be done from inside the home, with holes drilled into the drywall to each stud cavity so the space behind it can be insulated.

Once each cavity has been filled with foam, the holes are plugged, and a rough patch is placed over it.

It may sound like a complicated process, but an experienced foam insulation contractor can get this done and leave your home feeling better than it did before.

Learn More About Foam Insulation Throughout Your Home

Insulating the existing walls of your tri-level or quad-level home isn’t the only challenge.

It’s time for… Bonus information on insulating the overhang!

This area of the home can be responsible for a significant amount of air leakage if it isn’t insulated properly. Creating an air seal in the overhang can help prevent drafty rooms and cold floors. 

This overhang can be insulated in a couple of different ways.

If there is access under the overhang, spray foam can be used to create an air seal. The other option if there is no access is to drill into the wall cavities and inject the foam.

Why stop at the overhang though? What about other areas like the crawl space, rim joist, and attic where air can also escape your home?

If you create an air seal in your entire home, air leakage will be a thing of the past. If you want to learn more about sealing up the building envelope of your home and how foam can help, check out the Learning Center on our website. 

Related Articles

Installing RetroFoam into Exterior Walls with Different Siding Types

Exterior Wall Insulation Problems: Top 5 Things to Look Out For

What is the Best Way to Insulate a Cantilevered Floor Overhang?