While concrete supplies a high amount of strength and durability, it offers hardly any natural insulation for the home. Adding insulation to your concrete walls enhances your home’s energy efficiency, which often ends in a more comfortable home for your family. Using energy more efficiently also reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, which helps protect the environment while lowering your heating costs. And, having great insulating material is a plus if the time comes to place your home on the market.
Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website to determine how much insulation you need based on where you live. Most homeowners need insulation using an R-value between 13 and 21 in their own kitchens, where many concrete walls are available.
Calculate inches of insulating material you want to realize your desired R-value. According to Energy Savers, fiberglass batts offer an R-value between 4 and 3 per inch, while rigid foam supplies an R-value between 4 and 8 per inch. By way of example, should you want to achieve R-13, you will need 3 to 4 inches of fundamental batt insulation, or as few as 2 inches of high quality foam board.
Construct a wood framework you can use to furr out the wall. Cut 2 by 4 lumber to the elevation of your concrete wall, without 1-1/2 inches to your header and footer. By way of example, if you have a 7-foot wall, you will want 6 foot 10-1/2 inch extended studs. Nail each stud into a 2 by 4 footer, with the studs spaced 24 inches apart, then attach a 2 by 4 header at the opposite end.
Stand framing wall up against the concrete and have a friend hold it in place. Drill holes in the framework and the concrete by means of a drill with a masonry bit. Add a concrete screw to each of these holes. Secure each stud at the top, middle and bottom utilizing concrete screws.
Cut your insulating material to fit between every wooden stud working with a utility knife.
Press each layer of insulation between the studs, making sure the insulation fits tightly to the sides of every stud so friction will hold the insulation in place. Do not compress the insulation tightly against the wall, as this lowers its effectiveness.