Although concrete walls are renowned for their sturdiness and strength, they can also seem chilly and unwelcoming. To increase energy efficiency and create a more comfortable living space, concrete walls must be insulated. You can improve your home’s overall comfort and save a lot of money on heating and cooling by installing the right insulation.
Concrete walls can be effectively insulated using a variety of techniques, each with unique benefits and factors to take into account. Knowing the best options for insulation is essential to making an informed decision, whether you’re working on a new construction project or trying to upgrade an existing structure. We’ll look at the best ways to keep your concrete walls warm and energy-efficient, from cutting-edge materials and techniques to insulation both inside and outside.
We’ll break down the best techniques for insulating concrete walls in this post, so you can select the one that will work best for you. This guide will give you the information you need to get the best results whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or intend to hire a professional. Let’s explore the world of concrete wall insulation and learn how to make a more cozy and energy-efficient environment.
Method | Description |
Foam Insulation | Easy to install, provides excellent thermal resistance, and is cost-effective. |
Spray Foam Insulation | Offers superior coverage and air sealing, but can be more expensive. |
Rigid Foam Boards | Durable and highly efficient, suitable for both interior and exterior walls. |
Mineral Wool Insulation | Fire-resistant and excellent at soundproofing, but may require professional installation. |
Fiberglass Batts | Commonly used, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. |
- Mistakes when insulating concrete walls
- Insulation methods
- Method 1 – insulation with polystyrene foam
- Method 2 – insulation with polyurethane foam
- Method 3 – heat-insulating plaster
- Video on the topic
- Insulation of garage walls from the inside for a workshop. My workshop #2
- Insulation of a concrete wall
- Saved $1,500 on insulation! No one has ever insulated like this!
Mistakes when insulating concrete walls
Check out what occurs when concrete walls are insulated from the inside:
- The outer walls are completely cut off from the heat coming from the room. Therefore, in frosty weather they freeze.
- Concrete, despite its density, absorbs moisture. Thawing and freezing, it gradually destroys it.
- Point dew during internal insulation is located at the junction of the walls with thermal insulation. Here, warm air meets cold air and condensation forms.
- Mineral wool absorbs the resulting moisture, losing its thermal insulation properties.
In conclusion, it is preferable to insulate any walls from the exterior; doing so from both sides is even better. Moisture-resistant materials ought to be prioritized when deciding how to insulate concrete walls internally.
The heat in the house does not stay because these requirements are not satisfied in your situation. How should one proceed?
Insulation methods
- You need to insulate all the walls around the perimeter of the house. In your case, this is possible, but you need to convince your neighbors of this need. In apartment buildings, such an operation is much more difficult to do. Partial thermal insulation of the walls of one apartment, if it gives any effect, then minimal, since the cold still penetrates them from uninsulated areas.
- Insulation from the inside and outside should begin with sealing all seams and cracks and treating it with antiseptics — to prevent mold from appearing in the apartment.
Method 1 – insulation with polystyrene foam
If money is really tight, you can insulate with regular foam. The material has excellent thermal insulation qualities and costs pennies.
Suggestions. Go with extruded polystyrene foam if efficiency and quality are more important considerations. It is not very delicate, it doesn’t mind water at all, and rats stay away from it, which is beneficial for a private residence.
You can save money on repairs by performing the work yourself. The following is the algorithm:
- Apply adhesive to the back side of the insulating boards at several points along the perimeter and in the middle;
- Glue the sheet to the wall, starting from any lower corner;
- Additionally fasten it with plastic umbrella dowels at the corners and in the center;
- We mount the remaining boards close to each other. We blow out the seams between them with polyurethane foam;
- After the glue has dried, we fix a fiberglass reinforcing mesh on top of the insulation;
- We use the same composition as for gluing the slabs, evenly applying it to the surface and pressing the mesh into the fresh solution with a spatula;
- When this layer dries, we plaster the surface;
- The last stage is priming and painting. Or installation of a curtain wall ventilated facade. For example, siding.
Method 2 – insulation with polyurethane foam
The best heat-insulating material available today is this one, which doesn’t mind getting wet. However, because it requires the use of specialized equipment for spraying, it is fairly costly. Essentially, you won’t do the installation yourself.
However, the entire process will require some time, and the solidified foam creates a seamless, heat-insulating layer that is free of cold bridges and seams on the surface.
Internal insulation can also be achieved with polyurethane foam. Furthermore, a very thin layer of this material will be needed for the desired result, preserving the usable area of the house.
Kindly take note. Sunlight ruins the material, so finished insulated walls have to be done right away. Utilizing ventilated facades is ideal.
Method 3 – heat-insulating plaster
Although this approach is the quickest and least expensive, it is less efficient than the others. Plaster has to be applied in layers and with a thick layer of coat to get good insulation.
A lot of dry mixes with additives that insulate heat are now available for purchase. Instructions for application and preparation are included with each type. Additionally, the maximum thickness of a single layer is specified. along with suggestions for a later completion.
Such plaster is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, in your situation, it is simpler to preserve the current frame and install polystyrene or polyurethane foam in place of the non-moisture-resistant insulation. After that, put the plasterboard back where it belongs.
Effective concrete wall insulation is essential to raising your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. With the correct insulation technique, you can cut down on heat loss and energy costs considerably. The methods we’ve covered have a number of advantages, such as simple installation and excellent thermal performance, so you can choose the best one for your particular requirements.
Every strategy has specific benefits, whether you choose interior techniques to preserve interior aesthetics or exterior techniques to protect against weather. Making an informed choice will be aided by taking into account variables like the climate, your spending limit, and your personal tastes. Keep in mind that for any insulation material to work as well as possible, proper installation is essential.
By making an investment in high-quality insulation for your concrete walls, you promote a more sustainable future in addition to improving your living space. Long-term comfort and cost savings can be achieved by taking the time to evaluate and apply the best practices. All year long, your house will be more energy-efficient, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Enhancing overall comfort, cutting down on heating and cooling expenses, and increasing energy efficiency all depend on insulating concrete walls. The best ways to insulate concrete walls will be discussed in this article, along with the use of foam boards, spray foam, and reflective insulation. You can choose the ideal solution for your house or building because each method has special advantages and can be adjusted to fit a variety of project needs and budgets.