While insulation is one of the best ways to reduce unwanted noise in new homes, building codes mostly require that exterior walls be insulated, and it's not customary for the interior walls of homes to be insulated.
Insulating interior walls isn't absolutely necessary, but it does offer a number of benefits. It controls noise, improves energy efficiency, provides fire protection, and reduces the risk of moisture problems.
How Much of an Air Gap is Required? Doesn't Insulation Count as an Air Space? Typically we suggest you have an air gap between 1/2″ and 3/4″ for the radiant barrier to work. Air gaps larger than this work well too – they promote ventilation on the foil and help keep the air dry and the air temps lower.
Signs of Poor Insulation
Cold interior walls, floors or ceilings. High humidity or mould on the upper floor. Premature wear of the roofing. The roof thawing quickly at the end of winter, and ice forming on the gutters.
Even small holes can have a huge impact on the air tightness of the building and, therefore, the performance gap. Gaps can also allow for warm moist air to enter the building fabric which can then condensate on the cold edges which then degrades the performance on any insulation.
Small gaps in the insulation can also cause issues. Not ventilation spaces, but those small gaps where the insulation cut is uneven or too short. These gaps, no matter how small and inconvenient they may seem, allow for cold air to get through the building fabric. It's an easy fix with Rockwool.
Installing foam board insulation between studs is not its intended use. But if there are no other options, installing foam board between studs in below-grade areas can have some benefits, particularly as wood has some insulating properties.
This means that you could be losing a significant amount of heat through your walls, resulting in higher energy bills and a less comfortable living space. If your exterior walls have no insulation, you may be facing significantly higher energy bills due to increased heat loss.
Too Much of a Good Thing
There comes a point where too much insulation starts to have a negative effect — financially, environmentally, and in terms of the longevity of your home. So yes, it is possible to over-insulate your house.
One effective option for soundproof insulation for stud walls is to use an acoustic insulation roll. These rolls are made from materials such as fibreglass, rockwool, or recycled materials, and are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce the transmission of noise.
Stud walls are interior walls constructed from a frame of vertical timber beams. Various insulating materials can then be packed between, or applied over, the timber before it is finished.
Insulation boards should be cut to size and fitted within the studs, with any gaps filled with flexible sealant. Insulation slabs and rolls are designed to friction fit between studs, simply cutting them to the right side and inserting them between studs can give a solid layer of insulation.
When insulation is exposed in areas you don't spend much time in, usually in basements and attics, you're not typically at risk of health issues. However, if you and your loved ones spend time in rooms with exposed insulation, it can lead to skin or lung issues.
a minimum 50mm clear cavity between the partial cavity insulation and the outer leaf should be maintained. wall ties long enough to allow a 50mm embedment in each masonry leaf should be used.
Insulation is sized to fit between studs, usually spaced 16 or 24 inches apart; be sure to measure the space between the studs before buying.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does.
"Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association," says ALA's Godfrey.
Most forms of insulation can last for decades under ideal conditions. However, various issues inside your home can make retrofitting or replacement necessary much sooner. Some homes have the original insulation for upwards of a century, while others may require upgraded insulation in as little as 15 years.
If your walls feel cold when you touch them, then it is likely that your home is not well insulated. Fortunately, you can easily make your walls warmer by installing extra insulation and completing other home energy upgrades. This will reduce heat loss, lower carbon emissions, and save you money on utility bills.
Your house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.
With “drill-and-fill”, GNI installers drill holes into existing drywall, making sure to target cavities that are behind the drywall. Then, loose fill cellulose insulation is blown into the drilled holes, whereby the wall cavities are filled with insulation.
It should normally be at least 60mm thick, and can be up to 100mmm.