Hello,
I wanted some feedback on a business idea. I am researching on a business that would provide insulation in the walls of older wooden frame homes. Installing the insulation is the key to keeping costs lower than the method of removing siding, wallboard, etc. and then covering a batt insulation. I've considered foam insulation, but I think obstructions, like outlet boxes, wiring, and plumbing may prevent the foam from reaching the bottom of the walls. The product I am looking at using is styrofoam beads. Drilling a hole at the top of each space between studs and blowing the beads in,then patching the hole back to existing conditions. The beads would filter to the bottom and there would be no settling over time. The R-value is comparable to fiberglass batt insulation. I have seen websites of companies in Ireland that provide this service, but their wall structure is different from our method of construction. I feel I have come on an idea that would have a market for this service. If this seems feasible, I would welcome any advice.

I'm familiar with what you are considering. I think the homes you would work on are going to be very old. Newer homes already come well insulated so theres no sense in the service. So now your down to who NEEDS it? If the customers home is so old it needs it, it probably needs something else. I think this is a double edged sword for you. While you perform one service you might find yourself providing another.

I was sure I had answered this post yesterday, but my response seems to have disappeared... So, here it is again...

I would partner with contractors and renovators. Here's way... A couple of years ago a friend of mine had to pull his farmhouse apart. It was a century old building and the walls were insulated with Urea Formaldehyde. He gutted the inside of the farmhouse and then installed the quilted aluminum insulating sheets. But he complained about how much work it is.

I don't know if removing the UF could be done so easily as to limit having to rip out all of the interior drywall, but if it could have, blowing in the insulation you refer to would have saved my friend a ton of time and energy.

I don't know if this is useful, but I hope it helps.

T


Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!