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Brick, Concrete and Timber
Walls Insulation
External walls insulation is essential in all climates. Common
construction material do not perform by themselves the desired
insulation, with very rare
exceptions
(autoclaved aerated concrete walls, straw bale walls...).
Brick walls, timber framed walls, concrete block walls, mud
brick walls, all will benefit with extra insulation.
Demanded R-values in walls
See, tables in Demanded
Insulation & Climate Zones
Common Insulation Materials for walls
See:
Fiberglass, Mineral wool &
Home insulation
Cellulose insulation
Sprayed foam insulation
Reflective
Insulation
Brick Walls
Ordinary brick walls will benefit largely in terms of energy
efficiency if the cavities of the bricks are properly insulated:
by sealing their bottom and pumping in loose insulation bulk
material. This can be done by small
polystyrene balls, but also by blowing mineral
fibres into the cavities of the bricks.
Reverse Brick Veneer (RBV)
walls are much more energy efficient, and need less insulation.
However it may still be important in colder climates.
Timber framed walls
Timber walls rely openly upon insulation. Insulation should be
fitted to the stud frame of the walls, whenever possible.
In the case of timber framed walls, it may be applied the same
insulation materials used in ordinary brick walls: small
polystyrene bolls and blowing mineral fibres.
Other insulation materials for this type of walls:
- Extruded polystyrene foam
- Expanded polystyrene foam
- Polyurethane foam and Polyisocyanurate foam
(see, on this issue:
Spray-on foam insulation)
Reflective materials (foil-faced paper, polyethylene bubbles,
plastic films and cardboard)
are also used in walls, to provide
reflective insulation in hot
climates.
Other Types of Walls
Walls of concrete block or mud brick also need insulation.
You
can use a cap of insulation material over the wall: polystyrene
board, or batts, duly waterproofed.
See also:
Insulation
materials
Insulation
performance
Roof Insulation
Walls Insulation
Home Attic Insulation
Ducts sealing and insulation
Pipe insulation
Moisture and
insulation
How to deal with
Insulation contractors and home builders
Insulation in
your climate zone
Insulation benefits
Insulation tips
Back to top Walls Insulation
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