Insulation
You are here
How to Insulate Exterior Walls
Upgrading Exterior Walls
Walls have large surface areas and are responsible for a significant percentage of a house’s heat loss. Older homes constructed from solid materials like stone, log or brick usually have no insulation on the inside: there is often just a small air space between the outside covering and inner frame wall. This drainage cavity should be insulated as it can cause water leakage and condensation.
Interior & Exterior Insulation Upgrades
Exterior Insulation Upgrades
If you have to improve old siding, you might as well improve the exterior insulation too. You have a choice of methods for adding insulation underneath the new siding, which will increase your home’s overall "R/RSI" value significantly. New siding with blown-in insulation eliminates filling in access holes as well as repainting.
Other points to note are:
Wall Insulation in the Home
Wood-Framed Walls
Wood-framed walls are the easiest part of the home to insulate since they can be treated in the same way as new construction. The main concerns for wood-framed walls are the thickness and accessibility of the wall cavity. Assessment of wood-framed walls should also determine the presence or absence of insulation.
Stopping Air Leakage in Your Home
Once you have identified the air leakage points from an assessment of your home, you can proceed with the insulation process.
Caulking
You should begin by sealing up small cracks, leakages and penetrations on the inside of the outside walls, floors and ceilings. The interior is usually warmer and applied sealant lasts longer as it is not exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Why Insulate? Heat Loss and Cooling Losses in Homes
Why is Home Insulation so important?
Home Insulation Materials - How to Insulate well
Wind Barriers
How to insulate Walls and Windows in your Home
Exterior Walls
Attic and Ceiling Insulation in your Home
If the attic lacks an appropriate vapor barrier, the most efficient way of insulating it is blowing in 18 inches of fiberglass or cellulose.
How to Insulate an Older Home
A home that is over ten years old is unlikely to incorporate many energy-saving features in its original design. Nevertheless, there is no need to despair, to tear down and rebuild or to move out of your home. Rather, the home can be reviewed systematically in its entirety before determining how to stretch those renovation dollars for some good energy savings upgrades.