Do Internal Walls Need to be Insulated?

When researching home renovations, the question of whether it’s worth insulating your home’s interior walls often arises. If you’re wondering whether your interior walls are insulated and whether it’s worth adding some insulation if they’re not, the information below can help you decide.

Are Interior Walls Usually Insulated?

Generally, interior walls in a home do not contain insulation. Interior walls are frequently left uninsulated during construction because the energy efficiency benefits are less than insulating exterior walls, floors and ceilings. State and local codes don’t call for interior insulation, so it’s usually only present if the homebuyer specifically requests it from the builder. If you weren’t involved in the building process, it’s a pretty safe bet that your home’s interior walls are not insulated.

Is it Worth It to Insulate Interior Walls?

There are several reasons homeowners might insulate their interior walls:

Energy efficiency: Insulating interior walls helps keep a stable temperature in different locations in your home, enhancing comfort and lessening the strain on your heating and cooling system.
Soundproofing: When you add insulation to interior walls, you dramatically reduce the amount of sound going from room to room. This is particularly ideal for creating a quiet and calm home office or nursery. It also helps contain the noise from a music room or home theater to avoid bothering family members in other parts of the home.
Moisture protection: Certain varieties of wall insulation act as a moisture barrier, controlling the accumulation of dampness inside the walls of high-humidity spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Making sure these walls stay dry cuts down on the risk of mold, which can undermine indoor air quality and your home’s structural integrity.
Fire protection: Some insulation materials are fire-resistant, providing an extra layer of safety. If a fire breaks out, insulated interior walls slow the spread of flames, providing you and your family more time to get out of the home and potentially saving your property from extensive damage.

What Variety of Insulation Is Ideal for Interior Walls?

The correct material for your interior wall insulation project is determined by your specific needs and goals. Here are several different forms to consider:

Loose-fill insulation is best suited for existing walls, as it can be blown into the hollow spaces inside walls through small openings that are very easy to patch afterward. Because this doesn’t require extensive renovation, you keep the cost and construction-related headaches to a minimum.
Spray foam insulation expands to fill cavities, cracks and gaps, making it great for unusual areas within walls or next to obstructions. It also features outstanding thermal qualities and sound dampening. Spray foam is a fabulous choice if you’re building new interior walls, though it typically is more costly.
Fiberglass batts are a popular, economical choice that are easy to install in new construction or home improvement projects where walls are open. They provide good thermal performance but must be installed correctly in order to avoid gaps.
Mineral wool is denser than fiberglass, making it a better option for fire resistance and soundproofing.
Rigid foam board delivers high insulation values in thin profiles, which makes it useful for new construction or major renovations involving thin interior walls. However, it cannot be installed if walls are already closed—they must still be open.

Additional Steps to Improve Home Efficiency

Even though insulating interior walls is beneficial in several ways, it doesn’t do much to lower your utility bills. If efficiency is your main focus, try these improvements to get better results:

Put in more attic insulation: This is the most effective spot to add insulation to an existing home. A nice, deep layer of attic insulation stops heat from escaping in the winter and getting in through the ceiling during the summer months.
Seal air leaks: This involves finding and fixing leaks around doors, windows and other openings in exterior walls to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. Caulk, weatherstripping and expanding spray foam are the best tools for this task.
Install double-pane windows: If your home still has old, single-pane windows, think about upgrading to double-pane models for more insulation. This investment helps keep your home warmer in the winter and colder and more comfortable in the summer.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat: Thermostats with learning capabilities can modify your home’s temperature to match your habits and preferences, optimizing energy use and bringing down your utility bills.
Replace old HVAC equipment: A new, energy-efficient furnace and air conditioner requires less energy to heat and cool your home than an outdated system.

Questions about Insulation in the U.S.? Call the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help with many of your home remodeling plans. If it’s related to HVAC, plumbing or electrical, our experienced team can help! The ACE-certified technicians at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provide prompt, long-term solutions with guaranteed results. If you’re not completely happy with our workmanship, we vow to make it right. For innovative solutions and expert service customized for your distinct needs, phone 866-397-3787 today to reach the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.