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December 3, 2008
Foam insulation - rot or mold problem?
I am renovating a brownstone and have
removed the interior plaster from exterior brick walls, have furring strips
> up and ready to Sheetrock. I would like to spray foam insulation in
> cavity but am scared of creating a vapor barrier that would keep the
> furring strips and the old wood joists which are pocketed into the
> brick wet, thereby creating a mold or rot problem. The floor joist and lathing
did not rot (except on 1st floor which is 3 ft below grade) for 95
years, but I am worried about changing the conditions and creating a moisture
problem / mold/ rot.
Comments
Consult a professional but I had this done in a 19th Century home in PA and as far as I remeber, the spray foam insulation is a complete moisture barrier in and of itself. We sprayed the underside of the floor above the extremely damp basement and that's what was recommended. This house is tight as a drum now. I don't know what would be recommended for the party walls though. It's a different situation than insulating the walls exposed to the elements on the front and rear of a brownstone rowhouse...if that's what you are talking about. I know your joists would be hung from the party walls.
The space between the top floor ceiling and the roof in my brownstone has blown in insulation...cellulose I think or some man made stuff...call Federal Conservancy...mentioned in other Forum posts here on insulation...that's who did mine. I don't think they do the spray foam but the guy is real nice and knowledgable.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:33 PM
I used these guys. They are very good.
http://www.brooklyninsulation.com/Residential/residential.html
Posted by: troll at December 4, 2008 3:19 PM
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