For new homes and existing homes, consider using loose-fill or sprayed foam insulation in all the exterior walls. This type of insulation can be added to exterior walls without much disturbance to the finished areas of your home. If you’re remodeling and your wall cavities will be open, install blanket (batt and roll) insulation, especially if you’ll be doing the work yourself as a DIY homeowner.

Standard exterior wall insulation is fiberglass blanket (batts or roll) that have a thermal resistance or R-value between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch of thickness. High-performance (medium-density and high-density) fiberglass blankets and batts have R-values between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per inch of thickness. The R-value for standard typical exterior walls, ceilings and basements is as follows:
R-11 for 2x4 studded walls
R-19 to 21 for 2x6 studded walls
R-25 for ceiling and basement joist

If you are designing a new home, consider structural insulated panels, insulating concrete forms, and insulated concrete blocks. These materials literally have insulation built in, and houses built using these products often have superior insulating qualities.

If you’re building a traditional framed house, consider using advanced wall framing techniques. These techniques improve the whole-wall R-value and maximize the insulated wall area.

For a new home consider using foam insulated wall sheathing rather than wood sheathing products. Half-inch foam sheathing provides an R-value of R-2 to R-3.5 and thicker foam board yields even higher R-values.

Here are some of the advantages of foam insulation sheathing:
Provides a continuous layer of insulation, which reduces thermal bridging through wood studs, saving energy and improving comfort.
Is easier to cut and install than heavier sheathing products.
Protects against condensation on the inside wall by keeping the interior of the wall warmer.
Usually costs less than plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).

If you replace plywood or OSB along with foam sheathing, the walls will require additional bracing or other structural reinforcement.

Energy Efficient Home

Exterior Wall Insulation

Heat Pumps

Heating Cost Savings

Heating System Tune Up