Tips For Choosing Wall Insulation For Your Home

Posted on: 8 July 2020

Insulation is important for comfort and energy efficiency in your home. In addition to insulating the attic, you'll probably want wall insulation of some kind. You have a few options in wall insulation, and they vary in the way they're applied and their cost. You can apply some types of insulation yourself, and others are usually applied by a contractor. Here are some tips for choosing the right wall insulation for your home.

When Low Cost Is Important

Fiberglass batt insulation is an affordable way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The material costs less than other types of insulation, and installation is easy so you can do it yourself. The fiberglass comes in rolls of standard size that you can push between the studs in the walls.

To install this type of insulation, the wall cavities have to be open, so fiberglass batt is a good choice if you're tearing out the drywall in your house anyway and the walls will be open. Otherwise, a different type of insulation might be better.

When You're Insulating Basement Walls

Walls that have the potential to get wet need insulation that can tolerate moisture. Foam board insulation is good for basement walls and exterior walls under siding that might get wet. Foam boards come in different thicknesses and densities, and this affects how well they insulate.

Foam board insulation costs more than fiberglass batt, but it is usually better at insulating the walls and it tolerates moisture, so it's a good choice for a basement, especially if you're trying to correct a condensation problem. Plus, you can install foam board insulation yourself.

When You Don't Want To Open The Walls

If you want to improve wall insulation, but you don't want to open up the walls, blown insulation is a good choice. This can be pieces of cellulose, fiberglass, or other fire-resistant material that's blown through a small hole in the wall to fill the wall cavity. You can hire a contractor to install this insulation or you can attempt it yourself if you can drill and repair holes in the exterior wall of your home.

When You Want Additional Benefits

Spray foam can be applied on an open wall or through a hole in the exterior wall of your home to fill a wall cavity. The foam expands and fills the cavity and then hardens into insulation that reduces heat transfer, adds structural support to your home, resists water, and adds soundproofing. Spray foam insulation is usually applied by a contractor since the material is difficult and hazardous to work with.

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