All building materials offer some degree of R-value, or heat flow resistance, but some are better than others. Drywall, for instance, has an R-value of about R-0.5 for its half-inch thickness. This is minimal when you consider that filling a 4-inch-thick wall cavity with insulation increases the R-value to about R-15.
Drywall is considered a suitable construction material for interior walls, but its primary purpose is not to insulate. To make a significant difference in heat flow transfer, you must include insulation along with the drywall installation.
Need drywall insulation in the Milwaukee, Sheboygan, or Green Bay, WI, area? Contact us today!
Benefits of Insulating Drywall
The typical recommended R-value for exterior walls is R-13 to R-23. While these are the most important walls to insulate, you can also benefit from improving interior wall insulation.
Insulating the walls between rooms can help you:
- Improve energy efficiency: This is the main reason to install insulation, especially in exterior walls. Increasing the R-value of your home’s outer envelope can help you keep heated and cooled air inside, decreasing your energy bills. Even interior wall insulation helps improve efficiency, especially if you have unused rooms you want to keep separate.
- Dampen sound transfer: Whether you hope to muffle traffic and construction noise outside or reduce the noise of your child practicing a new musical instrument, insulation is the key. It doesn’t provide a complete sound barrier, but it certainly helps stifle the worst of the racket.
- Slow the spread of fire: Most insulation installed today is fire-rated to help prevent flames from spreading quickly between rooms. Fire-rated drywall is also available. This is a must in certain situations, including the construction of “party walls” that divide duplexes and apartment units. Insulation installed here is also useful for soundproofing.
Do you have enough insulation behind your drywall? Talk to one of our insulation contractors about insulation in your southern or central Wisconsin home.
Best Types of Insulation To Install Behind Drywall
Now that you recognize the importance of insulating drywall, it’s time to consider the various materials available for the job. The top choices include:
- Fiberglass batts: This is the least expensive and most commonly used form of insulation in residential applications. Fiberglass batts come in standard widths designed to fit snugly between studs built to code. It’s easiest to install batt insulation during the initial construction phase. Another good time is when you’re replacing the existing drywall.
- Spray foam: Expandable spray foam is a more efficient option than fiberglass, providing superior R-value ratings per inch of thickness. Spray foam is best reserved for exterior walls where you can maximize its ability to reduce energy costs.
- Loose-fill cellulose: It’s possible to insulate existing walls without removing the drywall by using loose-fill cellulose. This is done by drilling a small hole near the ceiling between each stud and inserting a nozzle in the hole. Insulation blows into place, filling the cavity. A quick wall patch seals the hole, and retexturing and painting make it impossible to tell the project ever happened. Still, insulating the drywall should deliver the many benefits discussed above.
Insulation & Drywall Installation in Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay & Surrounding Wisconsin Areas
Alpine Insulation is proud to provide quality, dependable insulation and drywall installation services throughout the central and southern Wisconsin areas.
We can install fiberglass batts in new walls, insulate behind your existing drywall with cellulose or update the walls in your home with new, fire-rated drywall.
Contact Alpine Insulation today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment!
