Types of exterior wall insulation. See our top picks here.
Types of exterior wall insulation. Let us help find a contractor near you. Polyiso accounts for over 75 percent of the insulation used in new and retrofit residential and commercial construction in the U. Learn about R-values, installation methods, and top insulation types. Consider fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, or rigid foam insulation, weighing their costs and long-term benefits to make a cost-effective decision. What Type of Insulation For Exterior Walls? Foam Board is the most suitable type of insulation for exterior walls. It usually comes in pre-cut panels and is made from fiberglass, rock wool, or natural fibers like cotton. Feb 28, 2025 · Learn about the materials, methods, and costs of blown-in insulation, which can keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low. Here are some popular options: 1. 17 different types of insulation for homes (inc. Radiant barrier: Especially useful in hot, sunny climates, this type helps keep homes cooler. Sep 18, 2023 · Whether you're insulating your attic, walls or basement, the right insulation makes a difference in your home's overall performance. Insulation decreases the amount of heat entering from outside when it’s hot, and traps warmth inside when it’s cold. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because heat flows more readily through studs, joists, and other building materials, in a phenomenon known as thermal bridging. It’s great for sealing gaps around How to choose the right home insulation based on location, cost, material, and form of insulation. In exterior walls, kraft-faced fiberglass insulation helps control temperature and humidity inside the structure. Thermal performance or R-values. Aug 11, 2023 · Reinforcing your walls during a remodel? Here are 5 types of wall insulation you can choose from and how to know which is right for you. Cons: Fiberglass has limitations. It's important to have, no matter what weather conditions you live in, though the way you install it may vary. Jan 1, 2025 · Where to Use R-21 Insulation R-21 insulation is versatile and suitable for various applications: Exterior Walls R-21 is a common choice for exterior walls, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy loss. Learn about the different types of insulation, such as pipe insulation, that’ll help seal your home and potentially save you money on energy bills. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home. Nov 30, 2024 · Learn how to insulate exterior walls for enhanced energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings. The type of insulation you choose will depend on which side you want to insulate. Rigid insulation: This insulates your home from the roof to the foundation, reducing energy losses through the house frame. Choose the best method and materials for solid or cavity walls. However, in colder climates, a higher R-value might be more effective. It’s easy to install, which shaves time off your project scope. modern & traditional materials). Types External wall insulation (EWI) refers to a layer of insulation fixed to the outside face of an existing wall. By applying insulation on the exterior, these products create a highly efficient building Best exterior wall insulation guide by Perrault Construction. It covers the different types, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home. It's used to improve thermal performance and minimize energy costs. Jun 4, 2018 · Exterior wall sheathing strengthens the wall system, provides a nailing base for the siding, and gives a layer of protection against outside elements. The design and construction of exterior walls are essential for ensuring the safety, durability, and comfort of a building. Fiberglass Insulation Pros: Fiberglass provides good protection at a low cost. Insulating walls is an ideal solution for improving the thermal efficiency of a home. It works by attaching a layer of insulation, and finishing with a render or cladding to get the finish you want. Dec 16, 2021 · There are many insulation options, but exterior home insulation is a bit different from most. Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Learn the best insulation to use for 2x4 and 2x6 exterior wall systems. Follow our step-by-step guide for effective insulation techniques! Sep 19, 2024 · The best insulation for exterior walls depends on the wall's thickness. The type of insulation you select will often depend on the nature of your project. To help you choose adequate insulation, we have summarized the R-values of 51 most common insulation materials (check the insulation R-value chart below). Jun 20, 2023 · Continuous insulation (CI) is a layer of insulation that covers the entire building envelope without any thermal bridges, such as studs, joists, or rafters. R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the insulation material. Improve energy efficiency – and gain other benefits – with ROCKWOOL external wall insulation. Ask This Old House general Apr 8, 2025 · Get the complete guide on the best insulation types for exterior walls. Oct 26, 2024 · Another common contender for the best insulation for exterior walls is foam board insulation. Jan 15, 2024 · For walls constructed out of concrete masonry units, builders can choose CMU wall insulation for either side of the wall, interior or exterior. In this blog, explore wall insulation materials, types & benefits. Jul 13, 2024 · Discover the best insulation for exterior walls to boost energy efficiency and comfort. But which type of insulation should you install? We consulted with […] Aug 27, 2024 · There are five types of garage wall insulation, each with its advantages and disadvantages. R-value measures how resistant types of insulation are to heat flow. Batt Insulation Batt insulation is one of the most common types of insulation used in wood-framed walls. Reflective insulation: This type of insulation is most effective in reducing downward heat flow. If its possible, maybe try to seal it well with a product like Aerobarrier and then upgrade wall insulation (R14 roxul) and strap exterior insulation (comfoboard) as others have commented. There are several options available, including fiberglass, foam board, spray foam, and cellulose. When thinking about insulation, the key metric you have to think about is the insulation R-value. Mar 30, 2024 · In addition to insulation, insulation applied to the exterior of basement walls, crawlspace walls, and the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors must have a rigid, opaque, and weather-resistant material. Jun 6, 2025 · Discover the best insulation for exterior walls, including spray foam and rigid foam board. Learn what works best in cold climates, retrofits, and coastal areas like Connecticut. In cold climates the use of exterior rigid insulation sheathing boards has been a method of increasing thermal performance of the enclosure, as well as a means of reducing the condensation potential within exterior wall assemblies. This article will provide an in Compare the top exterior wall insulation materials for your home. See more on different types of insulation. Feb 28, 2025 · Step 2: Determine the best type of insulation for your basement. An external wall insulation system (or EWIS) is a thermally insulated, protective, and decorative exterior cladding procedure involving the use of expanded polystyrene, mineral wool, polyurethane foam or phenolic foam, topped off with a reinforced cement based, mineral or synthetic finish and plaster. Just look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark on products at your local retailer. They are very effective in exterior wall sheathing, interior sheathing for basement walls, and special applications such as attic hatches. You can read more Finding certified insulation is easy. Learn how to install wall insulation, and discover helpful tips for working with fiberglass. Are you tired of high energy bills and uneven home comfort? If your home has 2×4 walls, the solution is the right insulation. Our R-value insulation chart lists the best options by province and zone. May 6, 2025 · The Best Insulation for Exterior Walls: 3 Options Outside walls have lots of surface area, so they need efficient insulation. Foam boards -- rigid panels of insulation -- can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. com Upgrade your home’s exterior wall insulation to achieve up to 40% savings on heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort and property value. Feb 7, 2025 · Discover how exterior wall insulation can boost energy efficiency and reduce costs. Polystyrene Polystyrene is a common form of rigid foam board insulation. Loose-fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation, and provides better coverage when installed properly. Exterior walls are key for combatting heat loss in buildings. Dec 3, 2024 · Does your home need new wall insulation? Learn about the best types of wall insulation to install & start your home insulation project. The insulation can be finished with render or clad with an alternate facing material to protect it from the weather. Nov 22, 2024 · When it comes to exterior wall insulation materials, understanding each type’s strengths and weaknesses is key to making the best choice for your home or project. Attics Insulating your attic with R-21 can significantly reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the Mar 7, 2022 · Despite proper insulation on the interior of your home, do you still feel cold drafts in the winter or too warm in the summer? Or, are the energy bills soaring high without a valid explanation? Exterior insulation on the outside walls is a solution. The total R-Value for a wall can be found by adding the R-Value of each type material used in the wall. Nov 30, 2022 · The walls and ceilings will require a different type of insulation than the garage door. They are commonly used for exterior wall sheathing and interior sheathing for basement walls. See our top picks here. CI reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency, comfort, and durability of buildings. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Where do you want to add insulation? We talk about types of attic insulation, wall insulation (including basement wall insulation), ceiling insulation like basement ceiling insulation, exterior and interior insulation, and so on. Structural support, weather resistance, insulation, and privacy are some of the key functions these walls perform. Apr 11, 2025 · Discover the diverse types of foam board insulation: EPS, XPS, polyiso, and more. 1. Dec 17, 2024 · If you have solid walls, external wall insulation is a common option, especially if you don’t, or can’t have, cavity wall insulation. Proper insulation of your home’s exterior walls can slash energy bills by up to 15% while creating a more comfortable living space year-round. Nov 8, 2024 · Find the difference between mineral wool and fiberglass insulation. Choosing the best insulation for you depends on the location and age of your home. Feb 24, 2025 · We've researched dozens of options to bring you the best insulation for exterior walls. Jul 25, 2024 · Discover the best exterior insulation methods to improve energy efficiency, prevent heat loss, and enhance indoor comfort. On this page: Insulating timber-framed walls Insulating steel-frame walls Insulating concrete masonry and in-situ concrete walls Insulating precast concrete walls Walls may be insulated with blanket/segmented, loose fill, or board insulation, or with an exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) – but the choice will Mar 23, 2024 · Key Takeaways: Choose the right insulation for your exterior walls based on factors like climate, budget, and installation complexity to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home. This fact sheet will help you to understand how insulation works, what different types of insulation are available, and how much insulation makes sense for your climate. A well-insulated home keeps everyone comfortable and happy. The bigger question is, what are the best exterior wall insulation options? Honestly, it comes down to the amount of remodeling you want to do, how much you want to spend, and your overall expectations. When it comes to your project, you have the power to choose the insulation that best suits your needs. This guide discusses the different home insulation types and where best to install them. R-values depend on the thickness and type of insulation material. This comprehensive guide explores the benefits, types, installation methods, and considerations associated with outside wall insulation. Apr 10, 2025 · Explore the different exterior wall sheathing options for your building project with our comprehensive guide. May 24, 2022 · Use this guide to determine the type of insulation that's right for you, creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. Aug 21, 2024 · Discover how to identify 10 types of insulation, what makes them different, and how to decide on the right type for your home. There are several types of insulation materials to choose from when insulating basement walls. Dec 28, 2024 · Understanding the Function of Exterior Walls in Construction Exterior walls serve several critical functions in the construction of a house. Jul 25, 2025 · Explore your ultimate guide to exterior wall finishes! Discover various types, aesthetic nuances, functional benefits, and how your choice can enhance property value and energy efficiency. They provide good thermal resistance (up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness May 12, 2021 · Adding insulation to your existing walls is the best way to tackle issues you’re experiencing with uncomfortable rooms and high heating and cooling costs. Spray foam insulation, however, behaves a little differently than other types of insulation. S. It can be installed over or in place of sheathing products such as plywood or OSB. Jul 2, 2024 · Discover the essentials of exterior wall types, materials, and performance to enhance your building’s durability, insulation, and safety. It is compatible with numerous cladding attachment systems, including z-girts, clip-and-rail systems and masonry ties. Make informed choices and ensure durability. Continuous wall insulation types, like polyisocyanurate, provide additional benefits beyond their thermal properties, such as having the ability to serve as the weather-resistive barrier (WRB), an air barrier and a vapor retarder. Find out which wall insulation is the best choice for your project. Insulation is rated by its R-value. Jan 9, 2025 · Wondering what insulation is best for your walls? Discover five types of wall insulation, their benefits, and how to choose the right option for your home! Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. This guide will help you find the best insulation for your walls. Overall performance and value - you can't beat Neopor by BASF. Foam board insulation is easy to install between wall studs and over existing blanket insulation. They are commonly used in walls, roofs, and foundations for thermal insulation and to provide a degree of structural rigidity. Learn their unique properties, R-values, and best applications to make an informed choice for your project's insulation needs. Insulation types (residential) are compared in regard to thermal performance, acoustic control, fire protection, health impacts, and moisture and mold. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of the insulation. Learn how WeatherFoam enhances energy efficiency and wall performance. [2] The thickness of thermal insulation is dependent on whatever type is required in order to Dec 17, 2024 · If you have solid walls, external wall insulation is a common option, especially if you don’t, or can’t have, cavity wall insulation. Exterior thermal envelope insulation for framed walls must be installed in substantial contact and aligned with the air barrier. . Our guide covers materials plus health and safety considerations. Dec 18, 2024 · In construction, the exterior wall section is a critical component of any building’s structure, providing both aesthetic appeal and essential functions such as insulation, load-bearing support, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. As we have talked about in the post about types of insulations here different materials and types of insulations have different R-values. Compare R-values, costs and types for 2x4 and 2x6 walls. While adding EWI to existing homes can help reduce Aug 24, 2023 · This article breaks down everything you need to know about spray foam insulation, the best types and the costs involved adding this insulation to your home. If your attic has ample insulation and your home still feels too warm in the summer and/or cold in the winter, you might consider adding insulation to the exterior walls. This concept, while not new, has become more accepted in recent years and is being used in residential construction. May 19, 2025 · As with attics or anywhere else in your home, adding more layers of insulation to your exterior walls is key to having a higher R-value and better thermal performance. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. May 31, 2023 · Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) exterior wall insulation is a high-performing closed-cell, rigid foam continuous insulation that is bonded to various organic and inorganic facers on both sides. Aug 12, 2025 · Discover the best insulation for exterior walls in Chicago. You will also need to consider whether your garage walls are finished or unfinished and if you need the insulation to cover an entire wall or ceiling, or just needs to fill in gaps and cavities. Aug 7, 2025 · Types of Insulation for Exterior Walls There are many materials used in wall assemblies, but understanding which products offer the best insulation for exterior walls requires looking beyond R-values alone. Jul 21, 2022 · Insulating a wall, including external and internal walls, can help ensure your home is energy efficient. There are many other things you can do to conserve energy in your home as well. Professional installation and proper techniques are crucial Sep 3, 2025 · Explore 10 different types of insulation, their uses, benefits, and which options are best suited for different areas of your home. As the title implies, this type of insulation consists of foam, which can be polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, or polyisocyanurate. Learn which insulation type is best suited for your home needs. Mar 17, 2025 · Your home needs many types of insulation to stay comfortable and energy-efficient. Discover the best insulation for your Duluth home and boost energy efficiency. Compare exterior insulation types - GPS, EPS, XPS, Polyiso and Mineral Wool. Apr 25, 2025 · The Ultimate Guide to Outside Wall Insulation: Boosting Energy Efficiency and Comfort Insulating your home’s exterior walls is a crucial step toward enhancing energy efficiency, reducing utility bills, and improving overall comfort. Discover top materials and techniques. The Stone wool products Sort By: Relevance Exterior wall insulation Cavityrock® ROCKWOOL Cavityrock® is a stone wool insulation board designed for exterior cavity wall and rainscreen applications. Jul 12, 2024 · A Deep Dive Into Continuous Exterior Insulation From durability to energy efficiency, continuous exterior insulation is an accessible approach to a high-performance wall. Jul 30, 2025 · Compare exterior wall sheathing types like plywood, OSB, fiberboard, ZIP System, and MgO to choose the best option for strength, insulation, and climate. Aug 15, 2022 · Learn how XPS insulation significantly improves the energy efficiency of unfinished exterior and interior walls for remodeling and new construction. Continuous rigid insulation can be installed on the exterior walls of homes to provide extra R-value and enhanced air sealing. Ensure energy efficiency and comfort in your home! Aug 7, 2025 · Rigid foam board insulation provides high R-values. It is available in two types – expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS). Insulation not only keeps your home warm in winter but also cool in summer. Use the JM insulation calculator to determine the recommended R-value for your project, as well as how much insulation you Dec 17, 2024 · When it comes to insulating your exterior walls, selecting the right type of insulation is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your specific needs and wall structure. Oct 9, 2024 · Learn how to pick a new insulation option for your home. In this article, we’ll explore different insulation materials, their benefits, and how to choose the best option for your home. Intermediate framing remains required. RetroFoam dealers have been Nov 6, 2024 · Proper home insulation is key to heating and cooling your home efficiently and cost effectively. May 1, 2009 · Which Rigid Insulation Should I Choose? Get the details right when installing foam, mineral wool, or other rigid insulation types, and a small increase in wall thickness can make a big difference in energy efficiency. CI can be applied on the exterior or interior of walls, roofs, and floors, using different types of rigid foam insulation panels. Jul 31, 2025 · The type of wall insulation used will depend on the construction system. Even a thin film of air on the interior and exterior of the wall has some insulation value. Jul 21, 2025 · Learn the differences between faced and unfaced insulation so you can pick the right type for your home. Mar 14, 2025 · Compare the 5 top exterior wall panel materials based on durability, maintenance, and style, with a rating table to choose the best option for your home. Oct 4, 2024 · Here are some simple and easy tips for installing wall insulation to help you save money and become more energy-efficient. If it is less than an equivalent of R-30 (about 10 to 13 Insulating exterior walls with rigid foam is a highly effective method for enhancing the thermal performance of buildings. Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc. Explore costs and DIY tips. In addition, insulation that fills building cavities reduces airflow or leakage and saves energy. The right insulation for you comes down to a couple of factors, including cost, your climate, and the amount of work that you’re willing to do on your house for installation. They include fiberglass batts, rigid foam, spray foam, reflective insulation, and cellulose insulation. Structural Integrity The exterior Around the world, solutions for external wall insulation have different names - exterior thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS), thermal insulation renders (TIR) or even by means of direct rendered rainscreen cladding. Oct 8, 2024 · Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reduce energy costs, and create a more sustainable living environment. Typical R-value: For fiberglass batts, R-values usually range from R-3 to R-4 per inch. Our DuPont PBS exterior insulation systems and sealants are helping architects and contractors deliver high-performance buildings of all types. With several insulation types available, it’s important to pick the one that best fits your needs and budget. Rigid foam board insulation, such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is one of the most effective ways to improve the thermal performance of a building and reduce energy consumption. ), you’ll need a different R-Value. Dec 15, 2020 · Description This wall is an implementation of the ‘perfect wall,’ with all insulation outboard of the structure, and a combined air/vapor/water control layer at the CMU surface, inboard of continuous exterior insulation. The table below lists some building materials and their R-values for a one-inch thickness. Typically, a higher R-value means better climate control and better energy efficiency Nov 1, 2023 · There are many types of insulation that you can use in your exterior walls, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Which option is best for your house based on cost, efficiency, & installation? Jan 24, 2024 · Reflective insulation can also be used in combination with other types of insulation to provide thermal resistance in a living space. It is commonly installed to thermally upgrade solid masonry walls, but it can also be used to improve cavity walls. May 8, 2021 · How to insulate house walls from the outside 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. They are the primary barriers that separate the interior living space from the outside environment. Nov 23, 2023 · Wall insulation reduces heat transfer between walls, increases energy savings and comfort. See full list on attainablehome. fm fyjbc cftmxm5 bygp lcteju5 kw h3q7 9qg3 egnbw3 bcmi