How to Insulate a Cinder Block Wall
Cinder blocks can be used for exterior structures or even basement or foundation walls. These types of walls may need to be insulated to retain heat during the winter. Insulating a cinder block wall is similar to insulating a poured concrete wall, because insulation can be attached directly to the wall. The first step is to determine how much insulation you will need. Rigid insulation comes in sheets that measure 4 by 8 feet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 8-foot pieces of 2-by-4 lumber
- Powder actuated nail gun and Ramset nails
- Rigid insulation sheets, 1 inch thick
- Circular saw
- Construction adhesive
- Utility knife
- Caulk gun
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the wall and make a mark with a pencil every 4 feet. The marks will be the locations of the 2-by-4 boards or furring strips that will be attached to the wall. Alternatively, you can mark the wall with strips of painters tape.
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2
Measure from the floor to the ceiling. Transfer this measurement to the 2-by-4 boards and the rigid insulation. Mark them where they will need to be cut.
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3
Cut the boards and insulation to the proper length with a circular saw.
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4
Place a 2-by-4 over each mark on the wall, with the wide side down, and secure it with a powder actuated nail gun. Drive a nail into the board every 2 feet.
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5
Cut the end off a tube of construction adhesive with a utility knife and place it in a caulk gun. Press the trigger to force the push plate into the tube.
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6
Apply the construction adhesive to the back of a sheet of rigid insulation.
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7
Place the rigid insulation between the 2-by-4 boards or furring strips. Lightly press over the piece of insulation with your hand to create a bond between the wall and the adhesive.
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8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to finish adhering the rigid insulation to the cinder block wall.
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9
Leave the wall as is or cover it with drywall to complete the project.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rent a powder actuated nail gun at the Home Depot.
Nails for the gun can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.
If you fail to mark the locations of the 2-by-4s correctly, you face having to take them out to start again or cutting the insulation to fit properly.
