The Importance of Wall Insulation
Wall insulation in a house is necessary to maintain constant temperatures of
living spaces, preventing heat from entering when it is warm and preventing heat
from escaping when it is cold. Proper insulation will also save a lot of money
on heating and cooling utility bills. While installation can be done afterwards
on an existing house, superior insulation can be achieved when installation
takes place during the house's construction phase.
Insulating the Walls of an Existing House
For existing homes that need wall insulation, precautions must be taken to avoid
damaging or disturbing the finished areas of the house. The best methods for
installing wall insulation that are unlikely to disturb the walls are loose-fill
and spray foam insulation.
Insulating the Walls During House Construction
For homes that are in the construction stage, installation of wall insulation
will involve the use of structural insulated panels, insulating concrete forms
and concrete block insulation to protect the inside walls from condensation by
keeping it warmer. Installation while the house is still being built gives
superior insulation and savings on costs. Most homeowners realize that providing
insulation turns out to be a better option, and also provides a higher resale
value for their homes.
Insulating Internal and Cavity Walls
For internal walls, it is important to check if the walls are air sealed before
installation, keeping in mind that moisture condensation may affect insulation.
Internal thermal boards are used for insulating internal walls, with battens
first being fixed to the walls and the thermal boards fixed to the battens
afterwards. A gap is created between the wall and the board, trapping a layer of
dry air. For wall cavities, they can be filled with moisture-resistant foam or
spray foam insulation. A qualified professional should be tasked to inject
insulation into the cavity walls.
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