Insulation Review

Thanks to Alex for the comment on insulation.  As thing start to cool down here and the furnace starts firing up every morning it's worth reviewing insulation issues.

The upstairs insulation has worked out well. The house is very cozy, though I still need to tighten up the windows.

The 1x3 strapping over the 1" rigid board worked out well too. The only thing I wish I had done was plan a little better for things that might be attached to the walls later (like the wainscoting in the bathroom). If I had been more consistent with my placement of the strapping, I would know exactly where I had something solid to nail to. Maybe I should have gone 16" on center with the strapping instead of 24"?

I'm finding that using the stud finder for locating the strapping isn't easy. The tool gets confused by the studs that are deeper in the wall.

As far as the strapping being sufficient for holding the drywall (with a coat of plaster I might add)--nothing's fallen yet! I think it's a necessary step with insul. board as thick as 1". Without it I think you'd be asking too much from the sheetrock screws. With the downstairs walls I used 1/2" rigid board and no strapping. That's been fine too but the walls have a lower R-value as a result of both the thinner insul. board and the air space provided by the strapping.

Anyway, please go ahead and post comments, and I'll reply as I'm able.  Thanks again, and good luck with your project.

james graham (aka handyman)

Comments

[Larry R]

I write a blog about inspecting basements, crawlspaces,and foundations in the Midwest. http://basementsolutions.blogspot.com I like your blog and was interested in swapping links with you. Email me back if you are interested.

Thanks,
Larry Ralph