Solid Masonry wall insulation

The insulation of solid walls is very important. The fact that they are solid doesn’t help the walls to keep the heat (or the cold air) into the house, and doesn’t mean more comfort and energy-efficiency. On the contrary.

That's why exterior solid walls - like cavity walls - should be properly insulated in their outside or in some cases, in their inside. See: Inside Solid Wall Insulation

New homes

Exterior walls made from clay-based bricks, concrete blocks and other masonry blocks... are usually 1) solid walls or 2) cavity walls. Cavity walls involve two layers and a small gap/cavity between those layers. Solid walls do not have such cavity, which doesn't mean that solid walls are thermally more efficient. On the contrary: the cavity acts as a thermal break, reducing the energy flow. The cavity can reduce unwanted energy losses by an half. That's why insulating solid walls can be more important than the insulation of cavity walls...

Do not forget a basic principle concerning home insulation: do it rightly the first time. Costs will be much lower.

To insulate masonry concrete block walls, or other solid walls, during new construction you should insulate the block/bricks cores with a proper material: plastic foam, vermiculite and perlite are common solutions.

But that isn't sufficient, usually. You should also install a continuous covering of insulation material between the blocks and the stucco/finishing material.

See: Solid Walls Insulation materials

Solid walls and climate

The insulation of solid walls is more important in cold climates. But in hot climates with high cooling demands – including regions like the southern United States, where solid block wall construction is common… -, solid wall insulation is also a key element for energy-efficiency and savings.

The payback of the investment is easily recovered after some years in energy savings (and comfort).

Retrofit wall Insulation

Solid wall insulation in existing homes is rather disturbing and costly (or impossible, in what concerns core brick insulation).

You will reduce costs (to up 40% or 50%) if the insulation works are done during new painting/stuccoing or other wall repairs.

Contractors

Skilled DIY may carry out some wall insulation works. But technical details and assessments should be performed by informed professional contractors, with specific equipment and knowledge.