What’s the Best Insulation for Exterior Walls?

The insulation in your exterior walls plays a major role in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Without exterior wall insulation, your home is likely to have cold drafts, poor temperature control, become more prone to frozen pipes, and so much more. Exterior wall insulation has come a long way over the years, so what’s the best option currently on the market? There’s no simple answer to that question, but these are some of the best types of insulation that you should keep in mind. 

Fiberglass 

Fiberglass is a type of insulation that’s made using tiny pieces of glass. Those small pieces of glass trap pockets of air to prevent cold drafts, heat loss, and minimize how sound transfers inside the home. Fiberglass is a common choice because it’s affordable and can be used for exterior walls, ductwork, and attic spaces. Fiberglass insulation can be installed as a DIY project if you can’t afford to hire a professional. You will need to wear appropriate safety equipment and thoroughly clean after insulation to ensure there are no small glass fibers left inside the home. 

Foam Board 

Foam board insulation is exactly what it sounds like, boards made of foam. The boards come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to fit into nearly any space. Some foam board insulation even has a waterproof coating on both sides of the board. Foam board is good at maintaining the temperature inside the home but can be harder to install than loose fiberglass insulation. Foam board is harder to install since it needs to be custom cut to fit into each area of the exterior walls.

Spray Foam 

Spray foam insulation is a unique type of insulation that sprays and covers every small crack or crevice of the space. It’s made of two components. Polyisocyanurate and resin are mixed at the job site before being sprayed onto exterior walls. Spray foam insulation is extremely efficient but can’t be done as a DIY project like some other insulation types. Only an experienced contractor with the right tool to spray the insulation onto your exterior walls can install spray insulation in the home safely. 

Foil Faced 

Foil-faced insulation is made of fiberglass batts that are coated with foil. The foil and fiberglass work to keep heat in or out of the home depending on exterior temperatures. Foil-faced insulation is efficient at maintaining the temperature of the home, and the foil acts as a vapor retardant. 

Each type of insulation has pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right type of insulation for your home, the local climate, and your budget. Contact Anderson Insulation of Maine today to speak with someone about insulation options for your home!