4 Benefits of External Wall Insulation

As we become increasingly conscious of our energy use, both from an economic and environmental perspective, the topic of home insulation is more pertinent than ever. In particular, the insulation of external walls stands as a powerful tool for homeowners to enhance comfort, reduce energy costs and decrease environmental impact.

Today we will delve into the benefits of external wall insulation and explore how this effective strategy not only leads to significant savings on your cooling and heating bills but also promotes a cleaner, more sustainable living environment.

Increased energy efficiency

External wall insulation plays a significant role in improving the energy efficiency of both homes and commercial buildings. It acts as a thermal barrier that prevents the escape of warm air in the winter and the intrusion of heat during the summer. This efficient temperature regulation reduces the need for heating and cooling systems to work overtime, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Reduced cost of living

Investing in external wall insulation can significantly reduce the cost of living. The most immediate and tangible benefit comes from the savings on energy bills. By preventing heat from escaping in the winter and keeping it out during the summer, external wall insulation reduces the need for constant heating and cooling in your home. This energy efficiency directly translates to lower utility bills.

The upfront cost of installing external wall insulation can be offset by the long-term energy cost savings. Plus, by reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, this type of insulation supports a more sustainable lifestyle and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the home or building.

Thermal and acoustic regulation

External walls often allow for heat loss during cold weather and heat gain during warmer months. This heat exchange can lead to uncomfortable fluctuations in indoor temperatures, creating a less-than-ideal living environment. By insulating these external walls, you can significantly improve the thermal performance of your home, ensuring a more consistent and comfortable indoor climate, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Additionally, external insulation also contributes to acoustic regulation. Sound transmission, just like heat transfer, is facilitated by gaps and weak spots in a structure. A significant amount of noise can enter or leave a building through external walls. This is where the role of external wall insulation becomes important. By insulating your external walls, you add a layer of material that helps to absorb and dampen sound vibrations, reducing the amount of noise that can pass through the walls.

Two great choices for external insulation that provide both acoustic and thermal insulation are Earthwool SoundShield and Bradford SoundScreen. These two brands offer an excellent insulation layer for any house dealing with heat loss through its solid walls.

Video: Does My Home Need Acoustic Insulation?

Environmental benefits of wall insulation

The insulation material installed on the outside walls works as a thermal barrier, slowing down the rate of heat transfer between the indoors and outdoors. This improved thermal efficiency means that less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home, whether it is heating in the winter or cooling in the summer. Lower demand for energy usage translates into less reliance on non-renewable energy sources, which are often associated with the release of greenhouse gases.

It is also important to select the most environmentally-friendly insulation on the market, made from recycled materials and with no added chemicals. Earthwool insulation stands out from the rest when it comes to being environmentally sensitive because of the following benefits:

Lower embodied energy compared to traditional glasswool insulation
Made from up to 80% recycled glass materials
Glass fibres are bound using a sustainable, bio-based binder instead of petroleum-based chemicals
No nasty chemicals such as phenol or formaldehyde have been added
No artificial colours have been added
Highly compressed during packaging which saves on transport costs and packaging waste

Installation and maintenance of external wall insulation

There are a few factors that must be considered when installing external wall insulation. Firstly, it must be installed during the construction of a new home. Installing it afterward can be incredibly complex and sometimes not possible without major renovations – unless in instances where retrofitting. Secondly, you should plan in advance if you are doing small renovations to determine whether you could apply extra insulation. Finally, although external wall insulation is a beneficial addition to your home, it is still recommended that you also install ceiling insulation and underfloor insulation. This essentially creates a sealed envelope for your home that keeps it regulated for longer.

Shop at Pricewise Insulation

At Pricewise Insulation, we understand the benefits of external wall insulation and that is why we supply Australians with the best brands on the market. Browse our range of external wall insulation to find the right solution for your property.

Looking for other insulation products? We also stock ceiling, roof, underfloor and internal wall insulation to meet all of your needs. You can pick up your order from one of our warehouses or receive fast delivery to your home or building site! Contact us for any additional information or for help selecting the best insulation for your project.