American builders have long insulated homes by stuffing the walls with fiberglass or foam. In recent years, building science experts have debated the merits of turning the home inside out by placing a barrier of insulation on the exterior instead. It’s an unconventional approach, but one that has proven highly beneficial in Europe, where the practice is common and noted for keeping heat from escaping. In fact, heating bills have been known to drop up to 40 percent as a result. Builders who favor this approach say that exterior insulation, done right, brings a host of other benefits including durability, and improved overall temperature and moisture conditions in the building cavity.
Read the entire article here: Turning a Home Inside Out may Expose the Benefits of Insulation