In winter, air moves out of a building’s heated spaces into cooler areas, such as an attic, basement or outdoors. In the summer, heat flows out of outdoors into chilled spaces. Exterior insulation provides resistance to this flow, reducing the energy costs associated with your property and buffering exterior noises. A building must be insulated to cellar and throughout the outside walls.
Assessment
As stated by the U.S. Department of Energy, the first step in insulating exterior walls would be to evaluate the current state of current insulation. Older buildings generally have low levels of insulation, and many new buildings may benefit from extra insulation. The Department of Energy’s energy assessment provides directions on how best to check the location and types of insulation in your construction (see Resources). Perform the DOE's assessment yourself, or hire a contractor to perform the energy assessment.
Types
Several types of insulation are acceptable for use in outside walls, according to Habitat for Humanity. Fiberglass or stone wool loose-fill insulation can be blown into the wall cavity or built into batts created to fit gaps between the wall’therefore studwork. Rigid foam insulation provides higher insulating value per inch of depth in comparison to fiberglass or rock wool, and is more capable of stopping air flows. Cellulose insulation is also effective at stopping air flows and provides greater soundproofing. It is made of recycled newsprint and may be set up as a damp or dry material. Foam insulation sprayed into wall cavities provides air stoppage qualities similar to rigid foam insulation.
Levels
Insulation's efficacy is measured in R-values. The greater a product’s R-value, the more insulating material capacity it’s. To utilize insulation at a cost-effective fashion, you need to know how much R-value your outside walls need. Get into the U.S. Department of Energy’s R-Value Suggestions Calculator through its site (see Resources). Use the drop-down boxes to select if your building is new construction or present and what type of fuel it uses; enter the first few digits of your zip code. The calculator generates a list of those R-values necessary for every space in your building.
Factors
Air tightness and moisture control are significant components to consider in replacing or installing insulation. Sealing the outside wall against the water leakage and air flow is crucial to guarantee the effectiveness of your insulation and protect against mould from growing in the wall . Energy Star recommends using caulk or expanding foam to seal outside wall joints, windows, doors and holes for wiring and pipes.
Procedures
The California Energy Commission requires that insulation provide “a continuous barrier between the interior conditioned space and the exterior. ” It recommends insulation be set up to permit no gaps, but not be compressed into the insulated area, which would reduce the insulating material ’s efficacy. All small or irregularly shaped spaces must be filled with insulating material, including the areas around and behind plumbing, electrical cables and junction boxes.