Wall insulation for mobile homes
In winter, wall insulation for mobile homes prevents heat flowing into and out of the living quarters, allowing you to save up to 40 percent on your heating cost. And in summer, good insulation blocks heat from entering your house, resulting in a cooler home and less reliance on your air conditioning system.
Before we reveal the ideal wall insulation for mobile homes, first, you need to understand its list of benefits.
Sound-proof effects. Insulating your interior walls reduces sound transfer from one room to the next. However, the amount of “sound dampening” primarily depends on how thick the insulation material is and whether other designs are used, such as a double-framed wall.
Improved indoor air quality. Good wall insulation prevents water damage and mold/mildew growth, which in turn improves the indoor air quality in your mobile home. By contrast, old and poorly installed insulation leads to molds that cause itchy and dry eyes, nose and throat, coughing and wheezing, and runny nose.
Huge savings. The upfront cost of wall insulation is lower compared to the amount you’ll save in the long run. According to studies, up to 40 percent of heat is lost through your walls if you lack proper insulation, which in turn forces your heating system to work more than necessary. Of course, this only means higher energy bills.
Fiberglass vs. foam injection
When upgrading the insulation of your interior wall, there are two available methods: first, tear out the drywall to install the insulating material, and second, “inject” a material, which is a less invasive approach because the installation is done from the outside.
Nowadays, the most commonly used wall insulation for mobile homes is fiberglass in which the drywall needs to be removed. This material is cut precisely to fit into the wall cavities to ensure no air leaks and gaps.
Another possible option is to use injection foam, which is installed from the outside and does not require taking down the drywall. However, because it requires a special machine, this is best reserved for professional contractors.
To install foam insulation, a contractor removes the siding to drill holes to inject the material into the stud cavity. Once done, he plugs the holes and replaces the siding.
In some cases, the crew needs to drill directly into the siding because it is attached to the studs. In this scenario, there are two options available: add sheathing once all of the sidings have been removed, or tear down the siding to spray foam into the wall cavities (assuming that the walls are drywall).
What is the best wall insulation for mobile homes?
There is no quick answer to this question because it depends on your budget and whether you’re going to hire a pro or resort to a DIY project.
If you’re a DIYer, fiberglass might be a good choice. However, make sure that you wear protective gear because you’re going to handle a material made of a finely woven silicone glass powder (they look like tiny shards of glasses), which may damage your skin, lungs, and eyes when you don’t use the proper safety equipment.
Meanwhile, foam insulation is the best wall insulation for mobile homes if you’re looking for something that can last a lifetime and provide an impressive R-value, which is a measure of how resistant a material is to stopping the flow of heat.
Final Word
Now that you know the difference between the two most popularly used wall insulation materials in mobile homes, why not check out our list of charming manufactured home and RV communities throughout California, Nevada, and Oregon.
At Storz Management Company, all our communities offer top-rated facilities like swimming pools, clubhouses, and green spaces. So contact us now and find your dream home with us.