insulating a brick wall
Hi all, we are in the process of gutting the first floor of our detached row house. The plaster was so damaged that we removed it all the way down to the studs. Does anyone know the proper way to insulate against an exposed brick wall? Currently there are wooden battens that measure about 1″,…
Hi all, we are in the process of gutting the first floor of our detached row house. The plaster was so damaged that we removed it all the way down to the studs. Does anyone know the proper way to insulate against an exposed brick wall? Currently there are wooden battens that measure about 1″, so there’s not much room for batting. I am concerned that if I put foam board directly against the brick I will encounter mold/moisture issues. I am familiar with how to use spray foam, but I am also afraid of moisture issues with this product. Any recommendations on how to do this properly?
Yes I agree with the above poster. Get the bricks repointed on the exterior. Also you can pad out the framing. I added another 3/4 of an inch and put the hard foam in. It has foil on it and that works as a vapor barrier. I have had no water issues. You can also put studs in front of the brick and frame out a wall. This give you the options of thicker (3 1/2 inches) insulation and the ability to run new electric and pluming if you wish.
Presumably, it is water that damaged your plaster in the first instacne. If so, and you are dealing with an exterior wall, then you need to stop the moisture from coming in from the outside. Once you waterproof on the outside, then you shouldn’t have to worry as much about insulation on the inside.