I am attempting to renovate a house in northern vermont with existing 2×4 walls and some ice dam damage so I am assuming the wall insulation has been wet and pretty much useless. Does anyone know of a way to add wall thickness to the exterior and insulation r- value without tearing down existing exterior walls.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
From plumbing failures to environmental near disasters, OHJ staffers dish on our worst and best moments.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Ice dams may not have effected your wall insulation. They, generally, cause problems to the ceiling and the insulation there. Adding attic insulation and good ventilation will help. Installing snow panels on the roof edges or metal roofing will keep the ice dams from forming. Tightening up windows and doors will make a big improvement in energy use. I have good windows here in Maine but I still use window quilts in the winter. If you happen to open walls in renovating, you can add a layer of 1" foam board to the inside under the sheetrock. This will add R-5, provide a thermally homogenous surface with the added benefit of quieting down the house. Another energy loss area is the perimeter joists and foundation. The walls would be one of the last places I would worry about. Stop the cold from blowing in and stop the heat from escaping first. Escaping heat is what causes the ice dams, insulating and venting the attic will start paying dividends quickly.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match