Easy to build with, concrete block needs more work to become energy efficient.
Concrete block construction has become increasingly popular because it is an economical way to build walls and an easy form of construction, so you do not have to always hire a contractor to do the work. Concrete block walls do not have particularly good insulation properties. You will need to increase the R-value of a concrete block wall in order to have a truly energy efficient house. Fortunately, the way in which you can do this will not be expensive or difficult.
Instructions
1. Fill the hollow cavities of your concrete block wall. What you use as your insulating fill will depend on where you live. Check with a home improvement store to see if they recommend using a simple pumped grout fill or a more intense blown insulation. They will be the most familiar with what will work in your climate.
2. Add epoxy foil insulation to the interior face of your wall. Apply the epoxy according to the instructions on the package, and then roll or press the foil insulation to the face of the wall. It is important that the foil side be facing out from the concrete wall. If you are using roll foil and not foam board backed insulation, the shiny side should face out.
3. Tape the seams between the sections of foil insulation with foil insulation tape to complete the air flow barrier. This tape is specially designed for this purpose and should be the only kind of tape you use to do this.
4. Add an additional layer of insulation to further increase the R-value of your wall by using epoxy to attach foam board insulation over the foil insulation. Be prepared to cover your insulation with some kind of drywall or paneling to give your wall a finished look.
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