Home insulation methods: from DIY fixes to exterior cladding

Home insulation can be approached through minor, non-invasive methods or major exterior renovations. For those seeking to avoid heavy construction, solutions include thermal curtains, sealing joints to prevent drafts, using door sweeps, and laying thick rugs to improve floor comfort and acoustics. These reversible options are suitable for tenants or those on a budget and can be found at retailers such as Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Brico Dépôt, and Bricomarché.

Alternatively, exterior insulation involves wrapping a house in an insulating layer on the facade, protected by cladding or coating. This method eliminates thermal bridges and maintains the home's living space without reducing internal surface area. Common setups include ventilated cladding or thin/thick coatings. While more significant in scope, exterior insulation helps regulate temperature during heatwaves by preserving masonry inertia. Costs typically range from 110 to 260 euros per square meter, depending on the materials used.