Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Replace existing insulation???

I hope I put this in the right section - if not, I apologize. Feel free to move this wherever it needs to go.

That said, I have a somewhat urgent question for all of you.

Short version: is it worth it to replace the original (40 years old) fiberglass insulation on the exterior walls, or should I just leave what's in there alone? The moisture barrier has several rips and tears, so please take that into account.

Longer version: I am in the process of re-drywalling several rooms in our house. We have some rather dark wood paneling in every room that is glued to the existing sheetrock. Since I am also rewiring the house (currently we have NO ground at all, and it's playing havoc with my computers and other electronics) we have stripped the drywall and paneling off and are down to bare studs.

The existing insulation has no R-value listing, and looks to be about two inches thick.

We live in Kansas City, so we have hot summers and fairly cold winters (at least this one has been).

ANY advice you can offer would be immensely appreciated. I don't mind the extra work and expense IF it would be money well invested.

Again, many thanks.

Wes in KC

i'm an idiot. if a moderator could please move this to the Insulation section, I would appreciate it.

/sits in corner with dunce hat on

Hi Wes,

I'll move this over to the insulation forum for you. For what it's worth, I think I'd go ahead & replace the insulation while you've got the place gutted.

I've seen the "40 year old" insulation and it might be a good idea to replace it.

Have you checked your attic insulation lately? Just a suggestion. You lose more through the attic than you do through the walls.

hey everyone,

we pulled most of the insulation down last night - we're gonna replace it regardless. the stuff in there was basically rotting to powder and was less than an inch thick in most places. also, it will be cheaper than i initally thought, and i'm betting we will save enough on heating/cooling in the first five years to pay for it. also will be a good reselling point.

i'll be heading down to lowes (can't stand home despot) and picking up some nice new R-13 later today.

i plan on laying a TON more insulation in the attic as soon as we're done rewiring / networking the house. i'll be going up there quite a bit until we're done, and don't wanna damage any good stuff.

again, thanks for all the help.

w

Sounds like you're on a roll, post back & keep us informed on your progress.