Adding insulation to existing walls is a way to solve the problems of non-insulated rooms and high heating and cooling costs encountered in house construction. But the bigger question is, how to choose a good external wall insulation material, and what is it? Honestly, it depends on the amount of renovation you want to do, how much you want to spend, and your overall expectations.
For nearly 20 years, many of our homes have more or less used foam insulation to renovate their exterior walls. It is understood that the foam insulation materials they use work similarly to waterproof grouting, that is, injecting foam into the partition walls that need foam filling, and then waiting for the foam to form naturally.
And here, our mission is to help you make a more informed decision for your wall insulation project. As part of this task, as a material supplier, we will discuss all available insulation material options below, depending on whether your walls exist or are demolished to studs, and what each option has to offer.
Insulation materials for open exterior walls
What is the better insulation material for exposed and open exterior walls?
There are many factors at play here, and it all comes down to your expectations. Do you want the good one, or are you looking for cheaper materials? Is energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint important to you?
Let's dive into the details of open exterior wall insulation options.
Fiberglass is one of the choices for insulation material walls.
This material is made of extremely fine glass fibers and can be installed as batts or rolls in wall cavities. Although fiberglass does slow the transmission of hot and cold air, it still allows air to enter and exit the house.
Fiberglass is a fairly cheap external wall insulation material. If you have a self-built house, you can consider installing it yourself. The downside is that fiberglass is known to sag and move over time, which means it has an expiration date, and you will need to replace it sooner or later. Of course, if you are willing, this recurring cost, as well as the cost of supplies needed for wall renovation and DIY projects, makes the cheaper option more expensive.
Foam board insulation
Foam board insulation is another material that requires you to do so when you renovate or don't mind demolishing drywall.
Extruded boards are rigid panels made of polystyrene and polyurethane. These boards come in various lengths, finishes and lengths to meet market needs, and of course can also be customized to fit walls. However, unlike fiberglass, it avoids a more troublesome filling step, and installing foam boards becomes easier. Moreover, it does not need to replace foam boards during long-term use. It should also be noted that during installation, you need to ensure that the seams of the boards are sealed, otherwise you will still have a lot of air leakage.
Spray foam insulation
If you want to create an air seal that helps keep the temperature in your home constant, then spray foam is your choice.
Spray foam insulation material is suitable for open walls, and it provides great help to the environmental protection of walls. Depending on the manufacturer and material, spray foam is mixed with water or chemicals. Open-cell spray foam is usually recommended for residential projects. The foam expands and completely fills the cavity. Closed-cell foam can be used, but it is more suitable for exposed walls because it is more durable. Either type of spray foam will prevent air from entering and exiting the walls, making the home more energy efficient and comfortable.
Insulation for closing existing walls
Maybe renovation is not your thing, nor is it within budget. That's okay, because you can still add insulation without taking apart your house. Blown-in cellulose and injected foam insulation materials can both be installed from the outside of your home, so there is no need to demolish any walls. Let's take a look at what both options have to offer.
Blown-in cellulose insulation
If you don't want a complete home renovation, you can still add insulation without demolishing your home. Blown-in cellulose can be installed from the outside of your home. The installer will remove a row of siding, drill holes in the sheathing, and blow in cellulose. This method does not require demolishing your house, but it will make a mess. Cellulose is made from recycled newspapers or denim. Due to its consistency, when it is blown in, dust from the material can pass through vents and outlets, thereby spreading throughout your home.
Cellulose is known to move and settle over time, which means you may be left with gaps that are not covered.
Injection foam insulation Compared with injected foam insulation materials, the installation method is the same as blown-in cellulose.
English