Insulating concrete block homes
Greetings,
I’m new to the board so if this has been discussed before please refer me to the appropriate thread.
I am analyzing energy use patterns for a local daycare chain. One of their centers has three older buildings (house, garage, barn converted to daycare use). These buildings use up to 15 btu/ft2/degree day of natural gas in the winter, quite a bit. Some of their newer centers are in the 3 to 4 btu/ft2/DD range.
The buildings are concrete block insulated (I think) on the inside with a 2X4 wall and fiberglass. Ceiling are generally cathedral with, it looks like, 6″ to 8″ of insulation.
What is the best way to improve these?
One way I’ve thought of to improve the ceiling insulation would be to rip off the roof and sheathing (re-roofing is needed anyway) and insulate from above, replacing the fiberglass with high R-value foam.
For the walls, it seems like the only feasible solution would be to go over the outside of the buildings with an inch or two of rigid foam and then put some siding up. Done properly, this could improve air infiltration a lot (the blocks have fine cracks in places and are not in perfect shape) and provide a thermal break to keep the blocks from getting so cold, which translates right into the living space. With insulation already on the inside of the blocks, it would be kind of like making a cheap ICF wall.
Any recommendations? The center is in use, so it would be difficult to take it out of service for extended periods of time.
Mark
Replies
EFIS or exterior insulation finish system.
Dryvit and Stow are a couple of systems that come to mind. Commonly used on many commercial building. With proper flashing and drainage details it is a nice looking fix to older buildings.
If you do search on synthetic stucco, I am sure you'll recognize the products.
Not cheap, but if proprly installed you get insulation and a new face on the buildings all in one package.
Dave