[mykquin]

Which is better to use batt insulation in a wall vs. blowing insulation in?

I have 2 exterior walls, 1 wall plaster is removed and when closing back up the walls I'll be installing batt.

On the 2nd wall, the plaster is still up and I'm debating adding a day to my project to rip it out and install batt on that wall too.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[gregzoll]

Compacted blown would be the best route. Placing batts in the open walls, will just allow air movement. You really need to read the info at the Building Science website.

 

[jklingel]

Dense-packed, either cellulose or fiberglass, is far better. Figerglass batts are the worst insulation made, unless perfectly installed (a rarity) and then it is still not great. It's OK, tho.

 

[Gary in WA]

Will you be caulking the stud/sheathing/plates joints before insulating?

Will you be air-sealing the drywall (ADA-- airtight drywall approach)?

Do you have any rigid foam board on the exterior?

Where are you located?

Gary

 

[mykquin]

Will you be caulking the stud/sheathing/plates joints before insulating?
The studs/sheathing/plates are already up/in

Will you be air-sealing the drywall (ADA-- airtight drywall approach)?
don't know what air-sealing is...should i do this?


Do you have any rigid foam board on the exterior?
standard (1/2" or something) sheething then brick exterior


Where are you located?
Live in PA


Gary

Really appreciate the insight...

 

[1910NE]

check out Air Crete..


http://airkrete.com/index.php

 

[mykquin]

Will you be caulking the stud/sheathing/plates joints before insulating?

Will you be air-sealing the drywall (ADA-- airtight drywall approach)?

Do you have any rigid foam board on the exterior?

Where are you located?

Gary

I'm leaning towards blown in fiberglass insulation...any additional input?

 

[Gary in WA]

You should caulk the studs/plates/sheathing to prevent air leaks: pp.21: http://www.engr.psu.edu/phrc/training/understandingbarriers.pdf

ADA: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/air-barriers-airtight-drywall-approach/

Problem with sheathing on a brick wall and air-permeable insulation: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/when-sunshine-drives-moisture-walls

http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0104-solar-driven-moisture-in-brick-veneer


I'd use cellulose or ? other than f.g: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irc/bsi/90-controlling-heat.html

What are the odds, I was typing when you asked.... Lol.

Gary