Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Wall insulation in 1930's home
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10-10-01, 10:57 AM
I have a 1930's home with no insulation in walls. I have seen the posts about cutting holes between the studs and blowing in insulation. I have plaster & lath walls and do not want to cut holes.
In the attic there is space between the outside brick and inside stud wall that you can see down at least to fire blocking half-way down.
I know when you buy insulation at Home Depot or Lowes you can get the blower to use with it.
MY QUESTION: Can you use a reducer and a 2 inch hose with one of these blowers?
REASON: I could shove the 2 inch hose down to the fire blocking and then turn on the blower to fill up at least half of the wall as I pull it out.
SECOND QUESTION: Is it worth this much trouble???
Thanks, FH
In the attic there is space between the outside brick and inside stud wall that you can see down at least to fire blocking half-way down.
I know when you buy insulation at Home Depot or Lowes you can get the blower to use with it.
MY QUESTION: Can you use a reducer and a 2 inch hose with one of these blowers?
REASON: I could shove the 2 inch hose down to the fire blocking and then turn on the blower to fill up at least half of the wall as I pull it out.
SECOND QUESTION: Is it worth this much trouble???
Thanks, FH
Insulman
10-10-01, 01:14 PM
The blowing machines they loan you from a Home Depot are not sufficient to properly blow cellulose insulation into the wall cavity's.. You shouldn't be drilling holes in your fire blocks either they are there for a reason...
A professional can drill through your mortar joints in the brick and blow insulation with the proper blowing machine into your side walls... That is of course assuming that you do not have any insulation whatsoever in the walls at this time.. They will drill each stud cavity near the top and bottom to be assured that the entire cavity is filled. To fill only half the wall would be a total waste of money..
It would take many years to recoop your investment from energy savings, however the additional comfort and reduction of noise transfer of exterior sounds is something to also consider in the expense..
Good Luck
Jim
A professional can drill through your mortar joints in the brick and blow insulation with the proper blowing machine into your side walls... That is of course assuming that you do not have any insulation whatsoever in the walls at this time.. They will drill each stud cavity near the top and bottom to be assured that the entire cavity is filled. To fill only half the wall would be a total waste of money..
It would take many years to recoop your investment from energy savings, however the additional comfort and reduction of noise transfer of exterior sounds is something to also consider in the expense..
Good Luck
Jim
10-11-01, 02:22 AM
Jim,
That answered my main question: Would filling only the top half of the wall cavity be worthwhile. At the top in the attic there is no top plate, you can see all the way to the fire block. But the bottom there is no access. I do not want to drill holes in the plaster if I can get away without it.
Do you know if there is any kind of expanding foam system available that you would only have to drill very small holes???
Thanks, FH
That answered my main question: Would filling only the top half of the wall cavity be worthwhile. At the top in the attic there is no top plate, you can see all the way to the fire block. But the bottom there is no access. I do not want to drill holes in the plaster if I can get away without it.
Do you know if there is any kind of expanding foam system available that you would only have to drill very small holes???
Thanks, FH
Insulman
10-11-01, 02:40 AM
As far as I know there is not an expanding foam that would fill in the area your speaking of by drilling only 1 hole...
You might do a search on the net for expandable foam insulation and see what that produces...
Good Luck
Jim
You might do a search on the net for expandable foam insulation and see what that produces...
Good Luck
Jim