How Can I Insulate An Exterior Wall That Already Exists?

Installing fiberglass insulation can be a complex and time-consuming process, but using the correct materials makes it easier. To add insulation to any exterior wall, holes are drilled between the studs of existing walls, and then spray foam, cellulose, or another form of loose-fill can be blown in to fill up the wall cavities. A retrofitted wall assembly includes foam board insulation fastened to WRB-covered insulation.

Uninsulated closed walls can lead to overtaxed heating or cooling systems, high bills, and energy waste. To improve thermal performance of buildings, one of three potential ways to insulate the walls is external wall insulation, cavity wall, and internal insulation. If there’s no insulation, spray foam insulation can be added by cutting a small hole in the wall behind the siding.

Adding RetroFoam insulation to existing walls is generally a quick and simple process that typically takes one day to complete, depending on the size and number of floors. The easiest way to insulate walls from the exterior in older homes is Larsen trusses with cellulose or batt insulation, Fiberglass thermal spacers, and injection foam.

The best practice is to install the WRB directly to the sheathing, and the insulation on top of the WRB. When adding continuous exterior insulation to existing homes, there are special challenges and considerations. Adding an insulated wall on the interior of your home will change the “perm” rating of your exterior wall, which is important because it affects the overall performance of your home.

How do you insulate a house without removing the walls?

The Drill and Fill Method is a common method for adding insulation without removing drywall. It involves blowing insulation directly into a closed wall through small holes drilled into the wall, producing the best results for interior or finished walls. This method is quicker and requires less cleanup after completion. Typically, blown-in fiberglass insulation with an R-value of 4. 3 per inch is used, producing energy-efficient and noise-reducing results. The process involves drilling holes into the wall, connecting a special blower, and blowing the insulation in until the required distribution is achieved.

Can you add insulation to existing exterior walls?

Insulating the exterior of an old house can improve energy efficiency without disturbing interior finishes. This method creates a continuous insulation layer, reducing thermal bridging through wall studs. When replacing siding, it’s an ideal time to add insulation. To do so, remove existing siding, assess sheathing condition, install a weather-resistant barrier, apply rigid foam insulation boards, seal seams and edges, install furring strips to create a drainage plane, and apply new siding over the furring strips.

What is the best way to insulate an exterior wall?

In cold climates, closed-cell spray foam is the best insulation for exterior walls due to its high R-value per inch, which effectively resists heat flow and serves as an air and moisture barrier. Insulating exterior walls from the inside is possible, often done in existing homes where exterior modifications are impractical. Options include blown-in cellulose for filling existing wall cavities and spray foam insulation for excellent air sealing. The R-value of the best insulation for exterior walls varies by insulation type and wall structure, and it’s beneficial to choose an R-value that meets or exceeds local building codes.

Typical R-values include fiberglass insulation (R-13 to R-15 for 2×4 walls, R-19 to R-21 for 2×6 walls), foam board insulation (R-4 to R-6 per inch), spray foam insulation (R-6. 5 to R-7 per inch), andcellulose insulation (R-3. 5 to R-4 per inch).

What can I do if my walls have no insulation?

Insulation is a relatively recent feature for homes, and those 60 years or older may not have it. Some homeowners seek ways to deal with uncomfortably cold or hot temperatures in historic homes. The two most common types of insulation are fiberglass and spray foam, which were invented in the 1930s and 40s. Spray foam insulation was first created for military use and became popular in the 1970s and 80s. If your home predates the 1970s or 40s, it could be without insulation.

To improve the comfort of your home, consider installing radiant floor heating, setting up thermostat “zones”, and using ductless mini-splits. Radiant floor heating can help regulate temperature and prevent drafts, while thermostat “zones” can help set thermostat settings. Consider ductless mini-splits for those who prefer a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

How to insulate the exterior walls of an old house?

To insulate walls in an old house, apply a house wrap/vapor barrier, attach 1-inch foam board insulation, install siding, replace old windows with energy-efficient units, caulk window trim, and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks. Before inscribing, learn how to safely insulate different parts of an old home, including the attic and roof. The average home loses about a quarter of its heat through the roof, so sealing the attic is a safe first step to retaining heat and saving energy. Sealing basements and crawl spaces is also essential.

What are the downsides of external wall insulation?

External wall insulation boards can improve a building’s energy efficiency, but they have several disadvantages. The biggest is impermeability, which can cause damp without proper planning. The size of these boards is another disadvantage, and they can be expensive. Insulative boards, which are commonly used to insulate a wall from the outside, are available in various materials like fiber cement and polystyrene.

They usually require a layer of render on top for added protection and a decorative finish. Cavity wall insulation is not an option for solid walls. It is essential to understand these disadvantages to make the right decision for your property.

How do you insulate walls that are already finished?

Professional installers can install spray foam insulation in existing drywall cavities, reducing utility bills, improving air conditioning and heating efficiency, and enhancing home comfort. The process involves drilling holes into the drywall, focusing on cavities behind it, and blowing loose fill cellulose insulation into the holes. Once the cavities are filled, the holes are patched and additional drywall finishing can be done.

This insulation method is particularly beneficial for homes with cold exterior walls, as it can save significant energy if the property was built before insulation became standard. Overall, professional installation of spray foam insulation can significantly improve home comfort and energy efficiency.

How to make external walls warmer?

External wall insulation is a method of insulating walls by fixing a layer of insulation material to the wall and covering it with a specific type of render or cladding. The finish can be smooth, textured, painted, tiled, panelled, pebble-dashed, or brick slips. This method can be applied without disruption to the household, renew the appearance of outer walls, improve weatherproofing and sound resistance, fill cracks and gaps in brickwork, increase wall lifespan, reduce condensation on internal walls, and prevent dampness. However, it may require planning permission and requires good access to the outer walls.

What is the best type of insulation for external walls?

Mineral Wool offers a unique blend of thermal, fire safety, and acoustic performance. Its breathable solution allows moisture to pass through the construction, reducing condensation risk. External wall insulation is typically finished with a render coat, and factors like thermal performance, finish choice, and fire classification are crucial. Rock Mineral Wool insulation offers both thermal and acoustic performance, making it non-combustible and suitable for both existing and new buildings.

How can I make my exterior walls warmer?

SprayCork is a popular choice for insulated exterior wall coatings, as it effectively retains heat without requiring adjustments to existing fittings. Its natural cork-based formulation insulates cold walls from the outside, preventing internal heat from escaping. This results in a snug home even in cold winters. An internal coating or external spray cork render can save up to 15 heating bills. The material is breathable and moisture-resistant, making it an excellent solution for insulate your home and eliminate damp issues.