Problem:
A homeowner in Flushing NY contacted Zavza Seal because their first floor felt drafty and uneven in temperature throughout the day. During colder seasons, the home lost heat quickly. In the summer, the HVAC system struggled to maintain comfort. The homeowner also noticed increased outside noise and suspected that the existing wall cavities had little to no insulation.
After our inspection, we confirmed that the exterior walls were under insulated and needed a complete upgrade. In total, four exterior walls were affected, totaling approximately 800 square feet of surface area.
The homeowner wanted:
- better energy efficiency
- reduced noise from outside
- environmentally friendly insulation
- a clean and minimally invasive installation process
To address the heat loss near the kitchen, they also asked that insulation be added beneath the sink where an access hole already existed.
Solution:
To improve comfort and energy performance throughout the first floor, Zavza Seal developed an insulation plan that focused on maximum coverage, minimal disruption, and sustainable materials.
1. Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation Installation
Our team insulated the four exterior walls using the dense pack method to ensure full coverage and a high performing thermal barrier. The process included:
- Cutting 4 inch access ports across the first floor wall surfaces
- Blowing in Dense Pack Cellulose insulation to achieve an R value of 12
- Ensuring the insulation completely filled the cavities to eliminate air gaps
- Spraying insulation beneath the kitchen sink through the existing opening
- Patching, taping, and applying compound to every access port once insulation was complete
This cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly, fire resistant, moisture resistant, and meets Class 1 fire rating standards. It also significantly reduces outside noise and improves indoor air quality.
2. Optional Finishing Work: Sanding and Painting
To restore the interior walls to a finished appearance, we offered additional painting services. If requested, our team would:
- Return once the compound fully dried
- Sand the patched areas for a smooth finish
- Paint either the repaired sections or the entire wall, using paint provided by the homeowner
This optional service helps homeowners avoid hiring a separate painter and ensures the space looks clean and uniform after insulation work.
Results:
Once the project was completed, the homeowner experienced noticeable improvements:
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Lower energy loss from exterior walls
- A quieter living space due to improved sound absorbency
- An increase in overall comfort and home efficiency
- A cleaner indoor environment thanks to Gold Certified, eco friendly insulation
By upgrading the first floor walls, the home now performs significantly better year round.

