Why Older Homes in Worcester Need Exterior Insulation

Most Worcester homes built before 1980 have little or no insulation in the walls.
That means:

• Cold air seeps in around studs

• Warm air escapes through the sheathing

• Walls “sweat” from condensation

• Heating systems overwork all winter

You could tear down drywall and fix it from inside, but that’s messy, expensive, and takes weeks.
Exterior insulation solves it from the outside — fast, clean, and effective.

How Exterior Dense-Pack Cellulose Works

Here’s the simple version:
We drill small 2-inch holes behind the siding, insert a hose, and blow dense-pack cellulose into the wall cavity.

The material fills every void — around wires, pipes, and framing — sealing leaks as it goes.
When we’re done, we plug the holes, reinstall the siding, and you’d never know we were there.

The entire process usually takes a day or two.

Story: The Shrewsbury Cape

This couple said, “Our house loses heat faster than the thermostat can keep up.”
We dense-packed cellulose from the outside on all four walls — no interior mess.

Their next gas bill dropped 32%.
They said, “The walls don’t feel cold anymore. It finally feels like a real winter home.”

Why Dense-Pack Cellulose Works So Well

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper fibers treated for fire and pest resistance.
It’s dense enough to block air leaks while letting moisture move naturally — so walls stay dry.

• Fills odd-shaped cavities better than fiberglass

• Reduces noise from outdoors

• Controls humidity

• Environmentally friendly

• Adds up to R-3.8 per inch

And unlike foam board retrofits, it doesn’t trap moisture — perfect for older wood-framed homes around Worcester.

Installing from the Outside: Step-by-Step

1. Setup & Protection
   We protect landscaping, remove a strip of siding, and mark stud locations.

2. Drill Access Holes
   Small holes (about 2 inches) drilled between studs — just enough for the hose.

3. Dense-Pack Application
   We blow cellulose under high pressure until the cavity is completely filled.
   You can actually feel the difference — the walls sound solid.

4. Plug & Patch
   We insert plugs, reinstall the siding, and clean up completely.

5. Final Inspection
   We use an infrared camera to confirm every cavity is filled — no missed spots.

That’s it. No drywall dust, no painting, no furniture moving.

Story: The Grafton Ranch

This ranch-style home had empty walls — pure heat loss.
We drilled under the vinyl siding and dense-packed every section. The homeowners said, “The noise from the road is almost gone, and the house feels tighter.”

They saved over $900 their first winter.

Comparing Exterior Retrofit to Spray Foam

Many Worcester contractors use cellulose for existing homes and spray foam for new construction — the perfect one-two combo.

Why Exterior Retrofits Are Popular in Massachusetts

Mass Save and state energy programs have made exterior insulation more affordable than ever.
You can get 75–100 % of project cost covered for dense-pack cellulose retrofits — even more if you also air-seal your attic or basement.

The best part? You stay home during installation. No drywall torn down, no interior work.

Typical Homes That Benefit Most

• 1950s–1980s colonials and capes with hollow wall cavities

• Triple-deckers with cold exterior rooms

• Historic homes where interior walls can’t be opened

• Vinyl or wood-siding houses that can be easily drilled and patched

If your walls feel cold to the touch, this method will transform your comfort level.

Story: The Worcester Three-Family

This landlord said, “My tenants keep space heaters by the walls.”
We insulated from the outside between siding panels.

Afterward, he said, “No more heaters, no drafts — and the building’s quieter.”
Energy bills for the whole property dropped by almost half.

Soundproofing Bonus

Cellulose is naturally dense and fiber-rich, so it muffles outdoor noise beautifully.
Traffic, barking dogs, and leaf blowers get cut down dramatically.

One Westborough homeowner told us, “It’s like someone turned down the volume on the neighborhood.”

Environmental Impact

Cellulose is made from 80–85% recycled content — mainly newspaper.
Each job keeps hundreds of pounds of paper out of landfills.
It also takes far less energy to produce than foam or fiberglass.

So you’re not just saving heat — you’re reducing your carbon footprint too.

Energy Savings You Can Expect

Most homeowners see:

• 25–40 % lower heating bills

• Cooler homes in summer

• Even wall temperatures year-round

• Longer HVAC lifespan

The house simply holds its temperature better.
You’ll notice it after the first cold night.

How Long It Takes

Most homes take:

Fast, quiet, and minimal disruption. You can stay home the whole time.

Maintenance & Longevity

Dense-pack cellulose doesn’t settle if installed correctly.
It stays packed tight inside wall cavities for 30 + years.
No maintenance, no replacements needed — just steady comfort.

We’ve gone back to homes insulated 20 years ago that still test airtight.

Story: The Northborough Colonial

The owner said, “We just can’t keep the rooms warm near the exterior walls.”
We dense-packed all the first-floor walls from the outside.

After the next storm, she texted, “The living room finally feels cozy — no more cold drafts from the walls.”