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November 8, 2008
extension insulation ?
I have a small extension on my house (10 x 12) that gets very cold in the winter. I'm going to replace the windows, but I have a feeling it needs more insulation.
The exterior is stucco over masonry (not sure if it's cinder block or brick). There is a cellar/foundation beneath the extension.
I poked a hole in the sheetrock to see what's behind it...I don't feel any insulation at all, just a small gap and then masonry.
Anyone have any recommendations? (i.e. what would be both effective and affordable, if anything...)
--tear down the sheetrock, put in insulation, re-sheetrock?
--spray in insulation?
--wrap the exterior? (the extension has a new roof so I'm hoping I don't have to re-do that)
Comments
Hi
More than likely you would have to tear down the sheetrock and put insulation and ply. Also the ceiling and flooring may have to get insulation also (that is if it doesn't have it already). If you are looking for someone to complete this task, we are affordable and can come out to give a free estimate of what it would cost. Myself or my partner can be reached at the number below.
Sincerely
Sooknarine Sookhai (aka. Dinesh)
Christine Stephen (Partner)
Eagle Construction
(347) 227-5834
Posted by: nightingale at November 8, 2008 1:36 PM
I'm not expert but I think probably the first option.
Posted by: pmmtenement at November 8, 2008 1:36 PM
It is obvious but i will say it anyway. Look for drafts. If there are none then the probelm is insulation.
Again obvious, feel the ceiling, feel the walls. They should be the same temperature as the room. If you can feel the outside cold then that is where you need insulation. Before you tear down the interior skin to instal insulation you should make sure everything on the outside is properly sealed.
Posted by: Aussie at November 8, 2008 4:52 PM
We recently replaced our extension roof and added insulation beneath. There was an immediate improvement in room temperature and comfort (at least 10°F if not more). Our extension has a cellar beneath, and (obviously) one wall attached to the main part of the building, but that still leaves three walls and ceiling losing heat through direct exposure to elements and outdoor temperatures (and zero heat gained or retained via party walls). Unfortunately, I think it will turn out that your most effective heat retention measure will be to insulate your ceiling/roof. As heat rises, the insulation will hold it in and prevent it from escaping. Drafts are probably a lesser part of the equation. On a strictly square footage basis, less heat tends to be lost from windows compared to walls and roof. At least initially, you can deal with windows by covering them using a shrink and seal kit.
Posted by: vinca at November 8, 2008 10:59 PM
Aussie's right. Check for drafts and for which walls/ceiling is/are cold. Also, check the outlets -- often a major draft source. We put in little insulation pads behind each outlet cover and it made a big difference.
Posted by: slopefarm at November 9, 2008 12:58 PM
Beside everything else mentioned upthread, it wouldn't hurt to carpet the room. Go to a carpet place and ask about remnants. It's cheap and you can trim and line up it up yourself.
Posted by: pattunia at November 10, 2008 3:44 AM
I recently had sprayed insulation (cellulose) done to my wood frame house. I noticed the change right away. The only problem is that you have to plug in the holes when they are done. The holes are about 18 inches apart and they drill from the bottom and the top. the price was also very very low. I used:
> Brooklyn Insulation & Soundproofing / NYC HIC License #1282616
> 79 Lorimer St, 5th Floor
> Brooklyn, NY 11206
>
> T: 718.388.4814
The owner's name is devin. highly recommended.
Posted by: troll at November 10, 2008 5:32 PM
I have the exact same problem and would be VERY curious to hear what the contractors say. Everybody acts like adding insulation is no big deal but it's hard for me to conceptualize...do they re-use the drywall they take down or do you have to start from scratch?
Posted by: Cobblekrill at November 10, 2008 5:53 PM
I'm also interested to hear how insulation gets added. I have a frame extension to a brick house BUT it doesn't have a full foundation underneath; I'm told these extensions are common in my end of the Slope. I got a quote from Buscarello once on a demo/rebuild but was so horrified by the price I never pursued it. What are some other options?
Posted by: South Sloper at November 10, 2008 6:59 PM
Re:South Sloper. I also don't have a foundation underneath and am surprised the OP does. These extensions are so shoddy compared to the original bstone. A few years ago, I had a chronic termite infestation and finally pulled up the floor to treat. THe contractor was horrified that the extension was basically built on dirt. When I suggested radiant heat to take care of the chronic cold problem he nixed the idea immediately. Apparently, termites love warmth.
Posted by: Cobblekrill at November 11, 2008 10:48 AM
Hi there,
My husband would be interested in the job, he'd be happy to go by and give an estimate. If you'd like to arrange an appointment please contact us:
aida_barbosa88@hotmail.com or 914-562-2706
Here are 2 recommendations:
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/03/recommendation_20.php
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/06/plasterer_paint_1.php
Hope to hear from you.
Thank you,Aida
Posted by: Aida008 at November 13, 2008 2:01 AM
I suggest using insulation board with high R value behind the sheet rock so you don't sacrifice space. You want to seal it really well with tape or a radiant barrier. It is what I am using on a green renovation I am doing right now. AND.....I am selling my overstock.....Contact me if interested: 347 244 3016. More info at http://ecobrooklyn.com.
Posted by: gennaro at December 9, 2008 9:31 PM
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