I need some advice on insulating an older home. I’m going to re-side the house and want to know if I should cover the house with insulated sheathing or simply seal it with a building wrap.
It was built in 1935. Wall construction is 2×4’s with plaster/lath on the interior and 3/4″ shiplap sheathing (no vapor barrier). walls have rock wool. Attic has 11″ of fiberglass (that’s the max I can put in) and the basement is uninsulated/unheated.
All the windows have been replaced with Andersen windows with insulating glass.
All doors have been upgraded as well.
So, is it worth the money to add 3/4″ foil faced insulation or should I just seal the house with Tyvek… Perhaps the real question is what is the cause of most heat lose thru the walls… conducted loss or air infiltration.
I’ll likely insulate the basement ceiling.
Tks, Bob
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Your location is?
Excellence is its own reward!
Sorry, Iowa
I guess that's on the edge between moderate and cold climates. You could probably do OK with adding an inch of foam to the outside under the siding...
Excellence is its own reward!
what kind of siding are you replacing it with or more correctly residing with?
Edited 5/4/2003 10:21:43 AM ET by the bear
I'm not sure on the siding choice. My first choice was vinyl, but I'm not sure it would maintain the character of the house. 2nd choice will be fiber cement.
if this an period restoration vinyl(uuuuugggghhhh) i'd go with tyvex, if fiber cement i'd go with tar paper than your foil faced insulation. i checked your either zone 4 or 5 both warrant if your split like that insulate for zone 5 ... good luck cheers...bear
My "vote" would be for installing a water / air barrier in any case to reduce air flow from or into the house... Make certain that windows are flashed properly and chimney damper is in good working order.... Caulk / seal any leaks in attic to heated space and insulate the scuttle or opening into the attic.
For Iowa, it's too cold for more of my southern speculation.
Good luck... Ken in Savannah