I am on a job hanging doors and installing windows for a new customer who chose another carpenter to put in her kitchen. He had the job before I even met the women.
This guy is going to insulate the outer walls with R-11 fiber glass. After the drywall was removed, there is just brick with a 1 by 6 nailed to it. He nails 2 by 4s to the 1 by 6s on the flat. The total depth is now 2 1/4 inches for the insulation.
Will 3 1/2 insulation work compressed and will there be any problems down the road with the insulation presses tightly to the brick with out any vapor barrier?
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The insulation will work about 2/3rds as well as if it were in a 3.5" cavity. In this situation foam sheets would make more sense, but the FG will work.
Whether a vapor barrier is needed or not depends on conditions. The FG won't be harmed by contacting the brick, in any event.
I suggested 2 inch foil faced foam to the carpenter but he just walked away.I would have pulled the old wood off the brick and framed out a new flat and plumb 2 by 4 wall able to be insulated properly. The framing job this guy has done is really sloppy and poorly thought out.This is an awkward job for me, I would like to tell the customer she is getting a lousy job but I do not know if it is my best interest to do so.
That's a dicey situation. Maybe she got what she paid for. I'd just try to keep quiet unless she askes you about it.
The permit on the kitchen door said 20 thousand and the insulating is an extra. For a very small kitchen with cheap cabinets I think she is overpaying.They are a nice couple but are clueless about carpentry. Maybe I worry about other peoples money too much.
Definitely a dicey situation. This nice couple, like many before them and I'm sure many after, are probably getting a bad contractor/carpenter experience. However, you aren't the attorney general, building inspector or a professional counselor. You are a professional carpenter and that should be your main goal here, give them the best dollar value for your work and be satisfied with what YOU do. If you go beyond that your asking for trouble either from the other carpenter or from expectations that will then arise from the nice couple who will look upon you as something more than what you really are, or being contracted to do. Don't say anything other than what bears directly about your portion of the work. In the end, the other carpenters work will be the telling. It stands on it's own, good or bad, as does your work, and they will come to know the value between the two.
Ever watch America's Most Wanted? Have you noticed how many killers and criminals have worked in construction or do work as carpenters. You might be a champion ultimate fighter but he, the other carpenter, may be packing more than just a tool belt and hammer.
That was good advise of which I will follow. I guess I might be called up later to redo some of the other guys work.I do not think this guy is a criminal, just selfish and unskilled.
Although R-11 insulation is meant to be installed in 3 1/2" deep stud bays anyone who has installed it can tell you that it does not at all fill a 3 1/2" space. So, in a 2 1/4 space, the insulation will not be as effective as it might in a larger space, but it not as bad as you might thing.
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>> Will 3 1/2 insulation work compressed and will there be any problems down the road with the insulation presses tightly to the brick with out any vapor barrier? <<
Well, insulation against potentially damp masonry is not good... But I'm guessing the masonry is a multi weyth (layer) installation - not just a brick veneer. It sounds like the masonry is structural and therefor probably 8" think... That being the case, there should be less concerns about moisture penetrating through from the outside.
Here is the bottom line though... IMO, professional behaviour would dictate you (as the earlier post stated) keeping your mouth shut. Personally I don't even think you should even offer your opinions unless you are asked a specific question. I know it's hard to sometimes not offer opinions, but I think the truly intelligent person shows it by what he doesn't say rather than just spewing out all kinds of unsolicited great information at the drop of a hat...
IMO, professional behaviour would dictate you (as the earlier post stated) keeping your mouth shut. Personally I don't even think you should even offer your opinions unless you are asked a specific question.
Matt's right.
I once was in a similar situation, but I was doing the kitchen (cabs only). The GC was a true hack. Bit my tongue until he misted paint over the fronts of my new cabs. HO called me in tears.
I hurried over that night, calmed the HO, and the GC was fired the next day. No contractural problems. Replaced with guys I knew to finish the whole-house remodel. Came out great, was featured on a Denver house tour. PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
you aren't the attorney general, building inspector or a professional counselor. You are a professional carpenter and that should be your main goal here, give them the best dollar value for your work and be satisfied with what YOU do. If you go beyond that your asking for trouble either from the other carpenter
As stated I agree but would take it further. Unless his work is sub code, if you say anything and he loses the job or whatever, you could possibly be held liable for his loss or some other legal issues ( valid or not, you could find yourself in court spending time and money defending yourself, even if you win)