Open cell spray foam is usually what is recommended for residential projects. The foam expands and completely fills the cavity. Closed cell foam can be used but is better suited for exposed walls as it is more durable.

What is the R value for exterior walls?

R-13 to R-23





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.

What are the 3 types of insulation?

Types of Insulation

  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the most common insulation material. …
  • Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. …
  • Foam: Foam insulation may be made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane, which are all types of plastic.

What is the difference between R13 and R15 insulation?

The main differences between R13 vs R15 Insulation are: R15 insulation has good thermal resistance, whereas the thermal resistance of the R13 insulation is slightly lower. R13 insulation is affordable, whereas the R15 insulation is a more expensive option.

What material is used for external wall insulation?

The main insulating component is normally made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), phenolic boards or mineral wool. EPS is most commonly used. This is the main insulation – it is normally made of either expanding polystyrene or mineral wool. Technologies such as phenolic resin insulation are also available.

What insulation is best for exterior walls?





Best Insulation for Open Exterior Walls

  • Fiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass insulation is one of the options that is going to require tearing down your drywall. …
  • Foam Board Insulation. …
  • Spray Foam Insulation. …
  • Blown-In Cellulose Insulation. …
  • Injection Foam Insulation.


Can I put r19 in a 2×4 wall?

While you can stuff r19 insulation into a 2×4 wall, it is typically not the best way to go about boosting your home’s insulation rating. R19 insulation is meant to fit 2×6 walls. Cramming the insulation into a smaller area might seem like a good idea, but it ultimately won’t result in the r19 rating you would expect.

How do I know what type of insulation I have?

Identifying Old Insulation



If the insulation is wool-like and gray, it may be loose-fill rockwool. If it is white, however, it may be a newer product. Shredded newspaper, or loose-fill cellulose, was another common insulation in the past.

What is the most common type of insulation?



Fiberglass Fiberglass insulation

Fiberglass. Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of insulation found in today’s homes. It comes in batts that fit between framing members such as studs or joists.

How do I know what insulation to use?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now fiberglass insulation is used a lot now this insulation right here is that r-13 meant to fit in a 2×4 wall cavity the r-value is measuring resistance. The higher the R value the more resistance

How thick should exterior wall insulation be?



Essentially all home and building designs can accommodate ICF construction. However, the standard thickness of ICF exterior walls is 12 inches, reducing room sizes and minimizing the home’s square footage.

How thick is exterior wall insulation?

between 50 and 100mm

The thickness of the insulation needs to be between 50 and 100mm and is usually installed where there are severe heating problems or the exterior of the building requires some form of other repair work providing the opportunity of adding insulation.

Will external wall insulation stop condensation?

The effect of external insulation is to warm the wall and this in turn moves the dew point outwards, towards the colder external air, thereby reducing the risk of condensation appearing on the internal surface, which can lead to issues such as damp.

Is it worth insulating exterior walls?



Exterior wall insulation reduces thermal bridging and can dramatically increase the thermal efficiency of your home. As a result, you won’t lose valuable floor space inside, and the new cladding outside will make your house look new again.

How do you insulate exterior walls from the outside?

To add insulation to any exterior wall, holes are drilled between the studs of the existing walls. Then, spray foam, cellulose, or another form of loose-fill insulation can be blown in to fill up the wall cavities. Finally, the holes must be plugged up and refinished to match the rest of the wall.

Is it worth getting solid wall insulation?

Heat passes through solid material at a faster speed than through a gap or ‘cavity’ – so solid walls lose heat fast. In fact, an estimated 45% of your home’s heat could be lost through solid walls, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Solid wall insulation can make your home much warmer and save money on energy bills.

How long does solid wall insulation last?

External and solid wall insulation has a life expectancy of 30 years plus.

What problems can cavity wall insulation cause?



After the cavities within the walls are filled with insulation these un-insulated elements may be significantly colder than the surrounding walls. This coupled with the effects of a draughty house, can create the right conditions for condensation and mould, often where it’s not been seen before.

Does external wall insulation need planning permission?

Does external wall insulation require planning permission? Sometimes. EWI is considered ‘permitted development’ so typically does not require planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area then you may need planning permission to get EWI installed.

What is the minimum cavity for wall insulation?

50mm clear cavity

Ensure you leave a minimum residual 50mm clear cavity between partial fill insulation and the external leaf.

Is external insulation exempt from planning?

If you wish to carry out external insulation works without planning permission, you must ensure that the appearance of the house is not materially altered such that the changes detract from the existing building or from adjoining buildings.