Wall insulation helps create an ideal living environment by maintaining a consistent temperature in homes, decreasing noise and condensation levels, as well as helping lower energy costs.
To check insulation without taking down baseboard molding, cut a hole between studs near the floor at an appropriate height on each wall and probe it with a wire hanger probe to detect insulation. You should see it materialize immediately!
Wood
Wood wall paneling is an exquisite way to add style and comfort to a room, serving both as an insulator and reducer of noise pollution between rooms. Used in either residential settings or commercial day nurseries, wooden panelling also helps conceal dents or scratches that would be more difficult to hide using other materials.
Walls with cavities can easily be insulated by installing preformed fiberglass batt insulation between the studs, as this material comes in various R-value options for optimal energy savings.
Spray polyurethane foam insulation is another lesser-used yet equally effective wall insulator option that offers air and vapor barriers while fitting snugly inside of walls. It makes an especially good choice for wood frame walls where load bearing studs are widely spaced enough apart to allow a generous layer of foam without impinging upon living space, as it boasts both high R-values and moisture resistance properties.
Laminates
Laminates are made up of flat paper bonded to plastic resins under high pressure and pressurised under extreme conditions, making them more cost-effective compared to veneers, while still looking like various materials. Furthermore, laminates offer resistance against staining, moisture accumulation and heat.
Textured laminates imitate natural materials to add rustic or modern charm to furniture. Available in an assortment of patterns, colors, and textures–some are even designed to imitate hand-scraped rustic wood finishes–textured laminates are an affordable way to bring rustic or modern aesthetic into your space.
Color core laminates are a popular choice for countertops, desktops and shelving in commercial environments. Easy to maintain yet cost-effective, these durable yet affordable laminates come in an assortment of styles and colors from Bloom Dekor. Also perfect for residential uses!
Stone
Stone walls boast the added advantage of thermal mass, retaining warmth during the daytime and releasing it at night. However, stone walls are notoriously porous allowing cold air in from outside while hot air escapes quickly; therefore it is vitally important that they are properly insulated to prevent heat loss.
Traditional methods for insulating solid stone walls typically involve using calcium silicate boards or wood-fibre products with vapour permeable adhesive, mounted directly to the wall surface. Care must be taken so as to not compromise breathability of the wall due to insulation materials.
Spray foam insulation offers an appealing alternative. This industrial product can be easily applied to surfaces by simply spraying, then expanding when dry, providing an effective seal against weather entry. Furthermore, its advantages far outweigh its drawbacks; unlike fibreglass panels and rolls or blown cellulose which may cause walls to sweat excessively or even damage structures in buildings.
Fabric
Fabric walling can adorn and renovate walls, conceal imperfections and provide sound and thermal insulation, while also adding luxury and sophistication to a room – and can often be more affordable than painting an entire space!
Fabric insulation wall coverings can be created from either natural or synthetic yarns woven together in different patterns to form wallcoverings, featuring paper backing to prevent adhesive bleeding through and ensure an even display.
Softer and more flexible than fiberglass, foam can be attached to walls using either liquid starch or hot glue; starch is often quicker and cleaner to apply than glue. Care should be taken around electrical outlets and switches as any slipshod application could result in damage to them.
Integrated fabric insulation panels come in sheets or prefabricated panels and can be easily installed just like regular wood-frame walls. You can place them between studs and joists, in existing finished areas or around obstructions for quick installation.