I am trying to improve our utility usage in a 1970 block wall constructed school building. What can I use to insulate the inside wall and cover the insulation without using drywall? I want something that looks professional and not some cheap looking finish material that won't hold up.

The top layers are normally closed webbing.

In the past,I have made holes in the webs and had insullation blown into the openings,it was a semi-solid low expansion foam/mortar base(Can't quite remember the name,I'll look further for a better answer soon.)

Our purpose was to stop moisture from penetrating the walls/ceilings,as the structure was for vehicles,result was the same as you are looking for,insulate!

A professional installer was required to work the contract,then it was up to us to decide.After 6 months,we found it not too good for moisture but great for insulation value.

I am sure others will add to the question here,Ken

You have a situation here with the block wall being a semi vapor barrier to begin with. Any fiberglass insulation against the inside block wall can possibly cause trouble down the road for mold/mildew. To insulate a block wall below or above grade requires spray foam or foam board applied directly to the wall.

There is a possible way to insulate the block wall if there is none in the wall now and if the block is 6' + wide and it must be a 2 core block. This should be under the standard 4" solid block that us manson's use to cap the wall for the plate

If you could get to the last top course and pop a hole in each web core and pour in www.perlite.net Per lite insulation which is what we use on the job site in new construction. It sounds like a hassle but it just buying insulation and mortar the holes shut after cores are filled. If there is a drop ceiling then this would be much easier to do. Perlite is specifically used for insulating block walls. It will completely gravity flow down in a block core indefinitely so to speak. Only a top hole in a core with the cores lined up to fill all cores below it.

Dry wall is the professional standard and basically the only economical choice. Its either painted block/ painted drywall/ or wall paper over drywall.

Either or to insulate properly on the get go is foam insulation, which has the highest "R" value in compared thickness to fiberglass.

What is insulation R value? | Insulation | Insulation Info

I almost for forgot to add. Check with the building codes on spray foam or foam board as far as fire ratings. Spray foam especially has many different formulas for diff code requirements.


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