Effective Exterior Building Insulation for Year-Round Comfort and Savings
Continuous Thermal Protection
External wall insulation creates a seamless barrier that reduces heat loss and prevents cold spots throughout your building.
Improved Moisture Management
By insulating the outside walls, we help prevent condensation and mold by keeping the wall structure dry and protected.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Our exterior building insulation lowers energy bills by maintaining stable indoor temperatures regardless of outside weather.
Long-Lasting Wall Protection
External wall insulation protects your building envelope from weather damage, extending the life of your siding and structure.
Exterior Building Insulation Solutions for Energy-Efficient Homes
Exterior insulation is a type of insulation that is applied to the outside of a building, typically as part of the building's cladding system. It is an effective way to improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and performance of a building, especially in climates where it is important to keep heat inside during winter and maintain cool temperatures in the summer.
Types of Exterior Insulation:
- Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Insulation:
- Polyiso is a rigid foam board insulation that is often used for exterior wall insulation.
- It provides high thermal resistance per inch of thickness, making it ideal for insulating buildings in climates with extreme temperatures.
- Polyiso is typically installed with a reflective foil facing that can help reduce heat absorption in hot climates.
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation:
- XPS is another type of rigid foam board insulation that is known for its durability and moisture resistance.
- It is commonly used in exterior applications, such as insulating foundations or below-grade areas, but can also be used on exterior walls.
- XPS offers good thermal resistance and is more rigid and resistant to water absorption than EPS.
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation:
- EPS is a lightweight, rigid foam insulation that is used in exterior applications, typically in EIFS or as a continuous insulation layer behind cladding.
- It is cost-effective and offers good thermal insulation properties but is not as moisture-resistant as XPS.
- Mineral Wool (Rock Wool) Insulation:
- Mineral wool is made from natural or recycled materials and is often used in exterior insulation systems.
- It is fire-resistant, water-resistant, and offers good thermal performance, though it may not be as widely used for exterior insulation as foam-based products.
- Rigid Foam Board Insulation:
- Rigid foam board insulation (made of EPS, XPS, or polyiso) is a popular choice for exterior insulation due to its ease of installation and high insulation values.
- It can be installed on the exterior walls, over the sheathing, and under the cladding or siding.
Benefits of Exterior Insulation:
- Improved Energy Efficiency:
- Exterior insulation helps reduce thermal bridging, where heat is lost through studs or framing members in the walls. By insulating the outside of the building, you create a continuous thermal envelope, keeping the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- This reduces energy consumption, lowers heating and cooling bills, and contributes to more consistent indoor temperatures.
- Moisture Control: Exterior insulation can help reduce the risk of condensation and moisture buildup within the wall assembly. By placing the insulation on the outside, you ensure that the wall sheathing and framing are kept at a more constant temperature, reducing the likelihood of moisture buildup and potential mold growth.
- Thermal Comfort: The application of exterior insulation creates a more comfortable indoor environment, as it minimizes drafts and cold spots in the walls. This is particularly helpful in homes with older construction or inadequate insulation.
- Increased R-Value: The R-value measures an insulation material's ability to resist heat flow, with higher values meaning better insulation. Exterior insulation is often used to boost the overall R-value of a building, improving its energy efficiency.
- Soundproofing: Exterior insulation can also help reduce noise transmission from outside, improving soundproofing and overall comfort in the building.
- Protects the Building Envelope:
- By insulating the exterior walls, you reduce the potential for moisture intrusion, which can lead to issues like rot, mold, and mildew within the walls.
- It also adds a layer of protection to the cladding material, potentially extending its lifespan.
Exterior insulation is a highly effective method for improving the thermal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort of buildings. By providing continuous insulation and reducing thermal bridging, it helps maintain a consistent interior temperature, reduces energy costs, and increases moisture protection. Whether using foam boards, mineral wool, or EIFS systems, exterior insulation can be a valuable investment for new construction or retrofitting existing buildings.
Upgrade Your Home with Quality External Wall Insulation
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River City Exteriors is a siding contractor that offers residential and commercial siding installation and repair services across Vancouver, North Vancouver, Greater Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Calgary, and the surrounding areas.