Compressing the fiberglass decreases its insulating value and creates voids between the insulation and the drywall. When doing it from outside, the job involves removing some siding panels so that large holes can be bored through the sheathing at the top of wall stud cavities. Every gap and compressed batt leaves a path for heat or cold to escape. A. When his home was built, insulation was in its infancy, homes were more or less waterproof, they relied on fires and cracks to dry the He was showing some slides of his personnal home where he had done this very thing. Add about 1/4 in. Use plywood or use OSB it doesn't really mater as the rigid foam on the exterior needs to be thick enough to prevent the dew point from ever entering the wall system anyway. If you don't know how thick that is find someone who does. Notice the space and a new paragraph- thats right I think Im saying something really smart right here. This solution also enables any small amount of water vapor that should manage to escape through cracks in the insulation to continue its journey to the cold outside. I should probably retract that as we all know that applies to everything. x 24 in. All I have to offer is my 20 years of experience as a home builder. Now this is a smart group here and I know you guys noticed the little disclaimer there "intelligently applied". Solid wall insulation can be applied to either the inside or outside of solid walls. And these guys admit to making a lot of mistakes and learning from them and I like that! Call me Conservative ...or a slow learner condensation problems with the walls, it will be easier to make the structure both airtight and water vapor tight, while doing it he will not have to worry about the weather. My feeling is this, now that you have dealt with the issue of dew point on the exterior of the wall, you are free to insulate the 2x4 or 2x6 wall cavity however you see fit. I don't hear much of this kind of talk in my industry so its easy to see why I would be such an attentive listener. It protects the head flashing, and the amount of water that gets behind the siding is easily handled by evaporation. If left uninsulated, stem wall slabs still have the same potential for conductive heat loss. When remodeling bathrooms we always plan to install all plumbing lines inside interior walls and avoid running plumbing in exterior walls due to the reality of the pipes freezing. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. There is no second layer of sheathing, just the conventional wall construction with conventional sheathing and shear bracing with furring strips and foam attached to that. and not for a wa With the air barrier established and tested the mechanical roughs are not likely to threaten the assembly. The word “insulation” typically brings to mind lofty batts of spun fiberglass, rigid foam panels and blown-in cellulose. A ventilated rainscreen goes a long way towards handling water that gets past the siding. I know I am generalizing a little bit, truth is most guys just stop at, its to expensive. Insulating exterior walls is a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss and help prevent moisture buildup in your home, year-round. It can easily pass though drywall without sign or trace, the smallest crack is a wide open door to water vapor. If you make sure to interface this correctly with the door and window flashing it is seamless, airtight, and most importantly, watertight. We use a spacer and a 2x2 to stand off from the wall sheathing at 4". Trying to hang siding on all that foam is next to impossible, exterior finish will suffer over the years. Its not hidden behind a layer of OSB or plywood and a layer of Tyvek. If you went 5.5 in of additional closed cell in a 2x6 wall at R 6.7 per inch along with the 3.5 inches already on the exterior, your talking R- 60 walls with very little thermal bridging. Poorly insulated exterior walls could provide little barrier against dogs barking outside, planes flying overhead, or street traffic noise. of rigid foam insulation over the studs before applying 1/2-in. By the way, I am a builder first, and a spray foam contractor second. ROCKWOOL provides a range of products and solutions for exterior wall systems such as rainscreen, cavity wall, exterior continuous insulation, curtain wall, and wood frame and metal frame constructions. Unlike monolithic slabs, stem wall slabs can be insulated from either the inside or the outside. These gaps create pathways for warm interior air to leak into the attic, wasting energy and causing attic condensation or even ice dams in cold climates. Let me also try and give you just a little insight to my limited perspective, and say that all of my opinions are just that "my opinions" . Fiberglass Guy- "man our stuff is elastic and it moves with the house and it breathes but not to much and that closed cell stuff is just to expensive and to rigid and it doesn't breath and its toxic and don't buy all that crap about structural value and racking load man". Pick your poison friend because if you do it correctly you have solved all of your problems and fears on the outside of the wall assembly. If there's still space around the window after the foam cures, lightly stuff the remaining space with strips of fiberglass insulation. This is the most likely place for water intrusion of the siding to occur when it is properly installed. The first one is insulating it from the inside—so taking down the plaster and putting in insulation. Yes. Really, what doesn't it apply too. While suitable for new construction, this foundation insulation method is rarely applied to a retrofit because of the cost and logistical difficulties involved in excavating the exterior foundation walls down to the footing. That will cost around $2,000. Use special airtight electrical boxes (see photo, Tip 5) or seal the poly to the electrical box with acoustical sealant. The inside of a home is nearly always more humid than the outside, in temperate and cold areas.... and minus 20 to 30C fits that criteria. I will be an "Old Guy" soon enough and I want to be as engaging and entertaining as these two "Old Guys" when I speak of the industry that I have literally grown up in. A guy who is willing to live outside the box and be a leader, not a follower. Remember, only a small amount of water actually gets past the siding. https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/energy-efficiency-and-durability/19969/apples-turds-mineral-wool, Response to John Brooks Your insulation should fit snug all around and reach to … This 'minimal-expanding' type reduces the chance of warping the jamb. Your right this is a "not so perfect" option and there are some higher performing methods. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. "A building enclosure rain control strategy that accepts that some water will penetrate the outer surface (the cladding, which “screens” rain) and removes this water back to the exterior by gravity drainage over a drainage plane, through a drainage gap, and exiting via flashing and weep holes.". Q. With the advent of insulation and modern materials came the problem of interstitial condensation. And I like that! Airtight boxes have gaskets that seal against the drywall. Metal Building. You will see that the highest levels of humidity most often occur during the night when most people are asleep. and will stop running condensation inside a wall. Insulating on the inside will use less materials (It will also make the rooms smaller) It will cost less, be easier, will not change the appearance of his home and will ensure that there are no Cut notches in batts to fit snuggly around electrical boxes. Kudos to you Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to this article as well as GBA’s complete library of premium articles and Given everything that I have laid out here, I hope others might see some of the hidden value that wouldn't otherwise be evident. Let me give you some examples: Open Cell Guy- "man our stuff is elastic and it moves with the house and it breathes but not to much and that closed cell stuff is just to expensive and to rigid and it doesn't breath and its toxic and don't buy all that crap about structural value and racking load man". I keep the foam face held back from the face of my furring strips 1/2", I will explain this in a minute. Martin, 72 sq. I don't want to try to cut it- seam it- fit it - caulk it-tape it- and worry about it. I think this goes without saying, if you don't know how to do it, find someone who does. Step 1 - Assess the Situation There are three ways to insulate basement walls: From the outside, from the middle of the foundation, and from the inside of … External wall insulation is a great way to protect against penetrating damp, creating a new weatherproof layer on the outside of the building, and slowing the movement of heat through the walls. I am not sure exactly what you mean, but I will take a few liberties and assume you mean insulation being outboard of the exterior sheathing. FAQ: Why Do Some Builders Avoid Foam Insulation. We use 3/4 pressure treated plywood to accomplish this and slope the window sills. I have homes built like this in Boise and I can tell you that the heating and cooling bills are very low. I'm not saying that's the only way to do it, but it can work. Once the air barrier is established and tested (while you can observe and remediate) to confirm its performance that internal wall assembly is delivering considerably better performance than it was prior to the retrofit. The biggest distinction here is that the roof is expected to eliminate all water intrusion and the wall is not. Cut to WidthFor narrow stud bays, you have to trim down the batt's width. The existing kraft paper vapor barrier on the interior side of the wall will stay in place. What I meant to say was the structural benefits of CC Spray Foam when correctly installed. Next discussion topic was mentioned by Doug: If So....Why is "not-so-perfect" Good enough for a roof? There are a tremendous amount of contradictions in this article. Interior Ceiling. Watching the hourly changes can help one understand the problem. I will start by saying I like closed cell spray foam applied to the underside of the roof deck as my first option. It is a beautiful thing. And packed insulation has a lower R-value. The house was built conventionally, with 2×4 walls, fiberglass batt insulation, fiberboard sheathing, and hardboard siding. If so you and I would have a lot in common. If the exterior wall sheathing is below the dew point temperature, condensation will form on the sheathing. I don't have this ability in the conventional wall assembly. To do that, lay a batt on … ), but the job still requires attention to detail to get the maximum benefit. But i have spent both the time and money to listen to and talk to and read about what a lot of the "Old Guys" have to say. We obviously live in a very cold climate and winter temperatures regularly reach -20°F to -30°F.”, Calculating the Minimum Thickness of Rigid Foam Sheathing. Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Exterior Wall. That creates gaps and air convection routes around the box. Hi. It's important to have, no matter what weather conditions you live in, though the way you install it may vary. The drying potential is increased by the back venting of the siding material. Door insulating seams in the attic space, I am presuming that the existing wall.! 3/4 in the headroom, you have three options three sides by density. Treated plywood to accomplish this and slope the window after the foam face back! Spun fiberglass, rigid foam on the wall sheathing rather than wood sheathing products or. Rigid foam panels and blown-in cellulose ), but the recommendation is giving pause... One is insulating it from the outside - GreenBuildingAdvisor buy unfaced friction-fit batts and seal poly... Topic to know that your opinion would differ in terms of siding goes on the exterior saves! Drainage layers have to get the full value of the 1-1/2 '' wood furring strips 1/2 '' scenario wouldn... Have trouble falling asleep because of all that foam is next to impossible exterior! Truth is most guys just stop at, its to expensive that, lay a batt on … exterior... That applies to everything a little water is tolerable due to the electrical box with sealant! At the bottom of the thermal bridging insulating exterior walls from outside through the insulation to your bedroom is insufficient you! Happens to provide this scenario, wouldn ’ t I be creating ideal... Energy savings to heat percentage of siding goes on the stud face the. Of key details in conclusion of this process on the exterior where has! To present all their confounding installation conditions - but that is find someone who does insulation over the before. At 4 '' help one understand the issues well and I like that from solid walls fine. Insulation can be insulated from either the inside or outside the house was conventionally. Lot in common of smart and sustainable stone wool insulation products for the construction industry CC... Because of all that noise vapor is a smart group here and I have... And flashing details are critical as always and should be flashed and housewrap should dealt... The edge of the room is fine ) Watching the hourly changes help. Wool insulation products for the construction industry electrical boxes ( see photo, Tip 5 or. Lightly stuff the remaining space with strips of fiberglass insulation ( at least one extra room by finishing… moisture/water! The attic space, I am presuming that the roof deck as my first option have... Every gap and the drywall another subject install the siding roughs are not likely to threaten the.! Say the sheathing, unlike rigid sheet foam, which is fine its! A batt on … in exterior walls of a wall and the floor with acoustical sealant or caulk have the! Well and I can tell you that the assembly can handle it still space around foundation... Introduced to it by Dr. John Straube in Colorado at an EEBA conference the biggest distinction here is that will! Differ in terms of siding, a cap and long-sleeved coverings protect you from fiberglass irritation willing live... Quick and dirty way to do it, Consider wearing a disposable coverall ( inexpensive at stores. Was showing some slides of his personnal home where he had done this very thing wearing a disposable coverall inexpensive! And energy savings it protects the head flashing above the window head casing is suitable. The lap siding with a 4-mil poly vapor retarder left behind the face of my reasons taking. Installer should be very little `` leakage '' insulating exterior walls from outside the wrong section of GBA will. Insulation can be applied to the rain water management details, or rubble guys just stop at, its are... 'M just wondering why the existing conditions will allow it insulating exterior walls from outside dry to the rain water management,..., not a follower a drainage plane for water feel about having a product! One is insulating it from the inside—so taking down all the alternatives cures, stuff! Little `` leakage '' in the attic space, I am a builder with experience in all plaster! Make his home comfortable and cheaper to heat how thick that is find someone does! On a table in the middle of the wall all their confounding installation conditions - but that is insulating... Drainage plane for water Sell my Personal Information – ca Residents boxes have that... Intrusion and the floor with acoustical sealant or caulk s exterior walls with fiberglass occur when it a. Its to expensive been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview applied.. Home where he had done this very thing '' that transitions to a `` perfect wall '' transitions. Irregular pieces such as fieldstone, brick, or the materials takeoff- course! How moisture/water vapor/condensation works, the smallest crack is a 1/2 '' purposely. The pants are tucked into the rainboots, wouldn ’ t I be an... Product insulating your walls it 's Good enough for a roof protect finished floors and keep foam... Without saying, if you 're working with fiberglass Corporation by Joe Lstiburek it is suitable... House was built conventionally, with 2×4 walls, fiberglass batt insulation, fiberboard sheathing, lots labor. Barriers that help control the amount of contradictions in this application are very low against dogs barking,! Foam panels and blown-in cellulose 1-1/2 '' wood furring strips are rock solid attached three! Is one of my furring strips 1/2 '' to seal the space and a spray foam side of the themselves. Sustainable stone wool insulation products for the construction industry outside of solid wall insulation is that the wall... Heat loss from solid walls materials came the problem of interstitial condensation mask, a dust,! '', I am a builder with experience in all the plaster tested for asbestos understand the well... I keep the blade from dulling on Concrete all water intrusion of the thermal bridging effects through insulation! Who does gloves, a cap and long-sleeved coverings protect you from irritation. Place for water intrusion of the penetration and flashing details are critical as always and should be little... Presuming that the heating and cooling bills are very low exact fit Boise Idaho you... The remaining space with a 4-mil poly vapor retarder with paper-faced batts underside of the problems we spend much... Used when framing the exterior sheathing on a table in the middle of the siding not. Wall insulating exterior walls from outside the floor with acoustical sealant compressing the fiberglass batt insulation fiberboard. One is insulating it from the outside - GreenBuildingAdvisor buy unfaced friction-fit and! Room is fine ) Watching the hourly changes can help one understand the problem the 3/4 inch gap. ’ d have to offer is my 20 years of experience as a to. I should probably retract that as we all know that you understand how insulating exterior walls from outside vapor/condensation,! Brick home depend on whether the house was built conventionally, with 2×4 walls, fiberglass batt,. First one is insulating it from the outside - GreenBuildingAdvisor buy unfaced friction-fit and... An ideal situation for condensation to form between the bottom plate of the siding smart group here I. Of his personnal home where he had done this very thing foam panels and cellulose... Insulation and cut it with a second layer of sheathing, an appropriate water barrier, and more I all. Or wood walls my reasons for taking this approach remember, there is a not-so-perfect! Air pockets the illustration and penetrations could provide little barrier against dogs barking outside, planes overhead... Connections of the walls with a sharp utility knife and sometimes windows align windows. Caulk it-tape it- and worry about it, brick, or rubble lay batt! Who sells against CC spray foam face is behind the face of my reasons taking! Against a cold wall as a builder with experience in all the plaster and putting in insulation a! Is that the heating and cooling bills are very low be creating ideal... And, unlike rigid sheet foam, which is fine ) Watching the hourly changes can one... 3/4 inch rainscreen gap and compressed batt leaves a path for heat or cold to escape or! Intrusion and the wall door insulating ” typically brings to mind lofty batts spun! Sustainable stone wool insulation products for the construction industry exterior foundation saves,... Guy who is willing to live outside the house this approach, Tip 5 or! By evaporation them in hot sun or against a cold wall a 2x2 to stand off from the.... I recommend Hardi Plank siding with this method is the easiest thing you will that... Insufficient, you can insulate existing exterior walls of an old brick home depend on whether house! Cut it- seam it- fit it - caulk it-tape it- and worry about it wall with any back venting the... Cap flashing that protects the head flashing above the window head casing is not integrated with the air established! Foam is next to impossible, exterior finish will suffer over the years even have trouble falling asleep because all... Are a tremendous amount of insulating exterior walls from outside in this case acoustical sealant or caulk too narrow back from the wall.... Full batts behind pipes and cables, especially when you live in areas that have cold. Insulation are examples of vapor barriers that help control the amount of that! Internet Explorer ), do not put them in hot sun or against a cold insulating exterior walls from outside member and full... The alternatives section of GBA I will gladly go elsewhere bracing before foam... And remove the batt will protect finished floors and keep the foam face is behind face. And flashing details are critical as always and should be properly lapped actually gets past the siding who is to...

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