What Kind Of Insulation Do I Need For Exterior Walls

Check behind knee walls which are walls between living spaces and the garage or attic.

What kind of insulation do i need for exterior walls.

Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Determine the type of insulation you need. Remove and dispose of that old insulation and install new insulation. Not every wall does.

It may look easy to go buy some packs of rigid insulation panels down at the. Foam board or insulating boards are rigid panels of insulation that have a high r value. Weave loosely to fill the cavity but tightly enough so you won t have to compress the insulation when you install drywall. Because they have a high r value and can be used nearly anywhere in your home foam boards are one of the most common types of insulation.

If the walls and ceiling will remain open not covered with drywall or plywood it s a good idea to use paper faced or encapsulated fiberglass bats that are wrapped in a plastic film. Often you may have insulation in the walls but the insulation has become moldy and damp over the years greatly reducing its effectiveness. To add soundproofing weave a continuous roll of fiberglass insulation between staggered studs using insulation designed for 2x4 walls. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. The most effective places to add it to older homes are usually attics basements and crawl spaces. When you reach the end of the wall cut off the insulation. Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation.

Do this in conjunction with fixing exterior wall problems that caused the dampness in the first place. Adding extra insulation to the exterior walls of an older home when renovating or remodeling is a great way of improving a home s walls thermal performance and reducing energy use while reducing heating bills carbon footprint and improving a building s comfort level. Best for floors foundation and basement walls interior and exterior wall sheathing and low sloped ceilings. How to insulate house walls from the outside.

Determine where you need to add insulation. Exterior walls and floors. Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered. Turn off the electricity then remove an electrical outlet cover for a view of exterior insulation.

These will give the walls a slightly more finished look and you won t have the itchy fibers of the insulation exposed and ready to catch dust at all times. Calculate the quantity of insulation you should buy. Check garage walls and ceilings that are adjacent to conditioned spaces. How to select insulation.