8" concrete walls a good insulator?

Question

I recently purchased a desert home made from 8" thick blocks. They appear to be solid, but I am not positive. The interior walls are finished with drywall without insulation. Are these a good insulator or should I look in to getting the exterior covered with an insulation membrane?

Answer 1

block have no R-value. they will transfer heat from the outside. if you re going to cover the outside, you should sheet it with at least 1' foam first.

Answer 2

8" Concrete blocks are typically hollow. They could be insulated in the empty hollow cells, but they might not be also. The block by itself has what most people would consider a relatively low R value. If you are planning on re-doing your exterior anyway, it would be a good idea to add some insulation to the outside. I don't think I'd run out and insulate the outside if I wasn't planning any exterior changes otherwise.

Answer 3

Why not use that spray on Fleck Stone? It is available at Wal Mart; Lowes; Home Depot You can get it in almost any color, and the texured look will disguise the concrete wall look. I used it on my back splash to cover a badly cracked wall, where the former owners had removed tiles, and made a mess of it. I then bought some fake fruit (the styrofoam kind) cut them in half, and hot glued them to the wall all about 5 inches apart.

Answer 4

You are asking a very broad question. f it often gets very cold there then i would suggest the insulation. If it stays relatively warm there (69-98 deg F) then it wouldn't bother. the largest deciding factor is if you ever plan on using a thermal device (i.e a/c, heater, humidifier). Your are just waisting your time and money if you have no insolation and are running these devices. Just remember that whichever you choose, concrete keeps cold very well but not heat.

Answer 5

if concrete go w/ francis...


if adobe, dirt /clay has some r value, & more if mixed w/ srtaw