Is it worth it to replace my exterior wall insulation?

Optical1

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

We have a brick house that was built in 1963, and I'm gearing up for a renovation project that will combine two bedrooms and an existing bathroom into a master suite. Since I will be building new walls, and finishing drywall, I'm toying with the idea of replacing the exterior wall insulation.

It appears to me that the existing insulation is approximately 3" mineral wool batt insulation. It is black fibers that are 1/2"-3/4" in length, and the paper backing is black as well.

My question is whether or not it is worth it to replace the existing insulation with R-13 or R-15 fiberglass batts. Would the energy savings be worthwhile enough to warrant the extra work?

Thanks!

-Kiel

Windows on Wash

Just replacing insulation for other insulation will not have any payback schedule unless the older insulation was improperly installed of missing in locations.

Opening up the wall and air sealing prior to insulating will have a net impact of air tightness and efficiency.

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Optical1

Thanks for the quick response! I suppose I have always assumed that old rock-wool insulation is less efficient than modern fiberglass insulation at the same thickness. Thanks for saving me the added work associated with removing and replacing all that drywall/insulation. Now if I could only find a way to lower my heating bill...

AGWhitehouse

Look into passive solar...It can be dirt cheap and effective if your handy...

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Windows on Wash

+1

Air Seal and insulate as well. Keeping that heat inside the home will make it much cheaper than heating the great outdoors.

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