Is this normal for an outside wall?

J187 · 01-02-2007, 05:58 PM

In the basement of my split level home, I just discovered that the interior side of an outside wall is nothing more than insulation and some wall paneling. Is this common? The downstairs always had issues with being too cold. Originally I thought this was due to the garage, but now I believe a significant portion of the draft is coming from this whole wall. I intend to take down the panelling and install drywall, but I'm just wondering if this was a common practice and why?

redline · 01-02-2007, 06:18 PM

What material is on the exterior of this wall?

J187 · 01-03-2007, 08:58 AM

Plywood sheathing and masonite siding.

KUIPORNG · 01-03-2007, 10:13 AM

I think the original home owner choose panel rather than drywall and that is legitmate to save works... the insulation still be the key and you mentioned you have it.. so in theory, that shouldn't be a big different.. although I will agree drywall would be still a bit better than panel in terms of insulation... but you shouldn't feel big difference. do you have vapour barrier...

tkle · 01-03-2007, 10:22 AM

You don't get a good fire rating with paneling.It should be at least 5/8" drywall.That said you've probably got a drafty wall.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 01-03-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J187

In the basement of my split level home, I just discovered that the interior side of an outside wall is nothing more than insulation and some wall paneling. Is this common? The downstairs always had issues with being too cold. Originally I thought this was due to the garage, but now I believe a significant portion of the draft is coming from this whole wall. I intend to take down the panelling and install drywall, but I'm just wondering if this was a common practice and why?

Actually, this was a common practice back in the days of paneling being popular. My basement was done with just studs and paneling (no insulation). They would even spray paint the studs black at the paneling seams to visually hide any gaps between the paneling seams.

Tho: there were alot of homes where the paneling was installed over S/R too.

tkle · 01-03-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

Actually, this was a common practice back in the days of paneling being popular. My basement was done with just studs and paneling (no insulation). They would even spray paint the studs balck at the paneling seams to visually hide any gaps between the paneling seams.

Tho: there were alot of homes where the paneling was installed over S/R too.

That works for interior walls but is a no-no for exterior walls.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 01-03-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkle

That works for interior walls but is a no-no for exterior walls.

.....Thanks for the correction, I realized that I missed a clue

in the original poster's title:

referring to: "OUTSIDE WALLS"

J187 · 01-04-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

Actually, this was a common practice back in the days of paneling being popular. My basement was done with just studs and paneling (no insulation). They would even spray paint the studs balck at the paneling seams to visually hide any gaps between the paneling seams.

Tho: there were alot of homes where the paneling was installed over S/R too.

Wow, thats aweful - studs and paneling huh.

Yeah, I'm not opposed to the paneling, I just wish they had gone over S/R as you say. Seems to me it would just be better regardless. I mean, Insulation is obviously the more important aspect here, but I just can't imagine that there would NOT be less drafts had the wall been drywalled first. Maybe it is not the case, but It just doesn't seem right to me that an outside wall could be very well insulated from the cold w./ just insualtion and paneling....