Concrete block walls (also referred to as cinder or cement blocks) are porous, which allows air to move in and out, making it hard for homeowners to stay comfortable year-round and taxing the air conditioning unit too heavily. Block insulation helps minimize this transference, leading to reduced energy bills.
Foam injection insulation is an ideal way to tackle this challenge as it fills in any gaps left by how concrete blocks are stacked and mortared together, as well as eliminating condensation issues by restricting air movement.
Polystyrene Bead Cavity Wall Insulation
ThermaBead Carbon Saver is a grey bonded bead insulation system that is installed into concrete block cavities using a special injection gun. This durable yet lightweight bead system easily meets all building regulations while remaining fire resistant and BBA approved – perfect for homes exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Construction projects often leave concrete block walls with open gaps along their length and ends to allow airflow between rooms, and throughout the home. Our injection foam fills these nooks and crannies for you, creating an oasis of warmth and quiet in your own home.
Our injection foam insulation product is one of the finest available, suitable for new build as well as existing properties. A survey will be carried out prior to installation to assess its suitability for your property. Having a clean cavity prior to insulation will increase effectiveness of product and prevent dampness build-up.
Foam Board
Foam board insulation offers an economical solution to block insulation needs. Like spray foam, it creates an air seal to minimize drafts while being easier to cut than drywall. Foam boards can be attached by nailing or screwing them onto masonry walls using large washers; or adhered using special foam adhesives and caulk.
Foam boards are an effective option for insulating concrete block walls in existing homes, unlike spray or injection foam which must be applied directly into each block. With foam boards being non-invasive and no core disturbance occurring when installed into them, R-values can be improved significantly when needed.
EPS and XPS foam boards are both common types of foam board material. Of the two, EPS is generally less costly; its blowing agent only uses air. Foam board with perforated laminate can act as an environmental-friendly vapor barrier when seam taped, although they cannot prevent moisture entering wall cavities.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation can be sprayed into wall cavities of block walls to reduce air infiltration and achieve higher R-value. The type and thickness of spray foam used will determine its insulating value; both open-cell spray polyurethane foams as well as closed-cell polyurethane foams are available for this application.
Spray foam insulation of concrete blocks creates an air and vapor barrier to block heat transfer through walls while simultaneously decreasing water vapor diffusion, which may otherwise lead to mold and mildew growth in cold climates.
Spray foam insulation requires special tools and masks, and its chemicals may be hazardous to health if inhaled directly. Usually composed of MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), while its B side contains proprietary blends of polyols, catalysts, blowing agent and flame retardants – when mixed together they create hard plastic-like foams that set quickly.
Rigid Foam
Rigid foam insulation boards are frequently employed as air barriers in concrete block walls, filling hollow cores of each concrete block to increase R-value and prevent air infiltration, which is one of the primary causes of energy loss.
Rigid plastics like polystyrene and polyisocyanurate (polyiso) rigid insulation offer high R-value per thickness, while foil-faced rigid foam boards with foil vapor barriers create an air and vapor barrier when installed correctly.
Foil-faced polyiso is particularly helpful, since it is fireproof and shares similar GWP to wood sheathing. Rigid foam insulation also cuts easily with a utility knife, unlike its fiberglass counterpart that requires you to wear protective gear like dust masks during installation.