What is the best type of cavity wall insulation to have installed.

Question

What is the best type of cavity wall insulation to have installed.

Answer 1

There are many types with different R values. On new construction we use a white formaldehyde free figerglass batt with a vapor barrier. You can use a blown in product, a sprayed on product that expands as it cures, this really seals the wall cavities the best.

You must check the chemical content-some homeowners could have an allergic reaction to some of the spray on products.

We use a product called "Insul-safe" to blow in the ceilings - it is white pellets with a class A fire rating.

Answer 2

Your question is a little vague, but my quick answer is use Owens-Corning "Pink Panther" R-13 for outside (exterior) walls.  Its a good idea, for sound proofing, to insulate interior walls too although often it is not done to save money.  R-13 is a suggestion, but it really depends on where you live.  A colder region may need a higher R-value.

If you are doing it yourself, be sure to buy the stuff made for walls and not ceiling.  The difference is the width.

Answer 3

Sprayed in fiberglass gives you the best insulation for a reasonable cost. If your walls are open on one side the procedure is to cover the framing with a cloth similar to the cloth on the bottom of your box springs. They then put a hole in the cloth, spray down and then up filling it completely. There are no spaces as with bats and a lot less money than foam.

Answer 4

i used blown in insulation, due to the fact that there was already some batting left in the exterior walls but was falling apart after so many years, it has done wonders.  if you use the expanding foam type, open is cheaper, but can blow out walls, closed cell is a little more expensive, but will not damage walls.  make sure the person doing it has experience.  i used the recycled paper insulation, and have had no problems with it.

Answer 5

Best in what way?  Fiberglass batt insulation, with an appropriate vapor barrier, is the easiest and cheapest.  You can get up to R-15 in a 2x4 wall, R-19 in a 2x6 wall.

The best for airtightness is spray-in polyurethane foam.  It's expensive, but it seals the wall completely.

The best ecologically is spray in cellulose mixed with adhesive.  It is made from recycled newspaper, sprayed on, and "trimmed" flush with the studs.  Vapor barrier is applied over the top of it.

As you can see, best is a relative term.  Hope this helps.