How Do I Insulate Behind Drywall?

In older homes, insulating exterior walls was not a priority. Energy costs were less than they are today, and saving energy wasn’t that important. In most homes, insulating the attic and basement was enough, even with insulation that was adequate at best. Once the drywall was up, especially in the basement, there wasn’t much reason to improve or upgrade the insulation.

Today, homeowners want to reduce energy costs, and cut their heating and air-conditioning bills. The answer is simple - better insulation – particularly in a space like the basement. The big issue, of course, is how to insulate a finished space without tearing it apart. For insulation experts like Great Northern Insulation, the “drill-and-fill” method makes the most sense.

Insulation behind drywall

“Drill-and-fill” is an innovative method for effectively insulating finished walls. It’s ideal for walls (interior and exterior) that have been finished with drywall. By retrofitting these walls with new insulation, the benefits are evident - the home is much better insulated, energy efficiency is much improved, and seasonal heating and cooling bills are dramatically reduced.

With “drill-and-fill”, GNI installers drill holes into existing drywall, making sure to target cavities that are behind the drywall. Then, loose fill cellulose insulation is blown into the drilled holes, whereby the wall cavities are filled with insulation. When the wall cavities are full of insulation, the drilled holes are patched, and additional drywall finishing can take place.

In residential homes where exterior walls feel cold, the “drill and fill” method from GNI is a cost-effective solution. Professionally installed, the long-term benefits are well worth the investment: utility bills will be reduced throughout the year; heating and air conditioning will operate more efficiently; and home comfort will be noticeably enhanced around the home.

With “drill-and-fill”, products and installations are fully warrantied by Great Northern Insulation, and complete customer satisfaction is a priority on every project.

Proudly Serving all of Southern Ontario

Great Northern Insulation - Better Business Bureau Profile.

Best of 2021

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.

Best of 2022

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Over 40 Years in Business

At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Do it right the first time
- with foam masters^TM

January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.

Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™

Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.

3M^TM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings

3M^TM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Holmes and Holmes

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge Incentives

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.

We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.

The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?

Climatizer

CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.

How Do I Insulate Behind Drywall?

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Proudly Serving all of Southern Ontario