We just bought a 1950s brick cape cod that is cold and drafty. Besides replacing the original steel single pane windows, which we are doing already, what are the best options for insualtion. We live in Maryland., cold but not Maine. I do have a bias for R-values above the normal standards.
First floor is one row of brick, then what looks like a gray homosote, then an empty 2×4 wall, then something called a aluminum foil house insulation blanket (aluminum foil backed with a paper, no fiberglass), then dry wall. Do I have fiberglass, cellulite, or foam blown in the 3.5″ space?
I still have to open up a 2nd floor wall, no ext brick, so it might be different and I have to make some type of access to the attic to chekc for insulation.
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maybe this is bad form, but bump ...
No moisture problems? Basement and attic dry? Then I'd look into either cellulose or foam. I don't think fiberglass is worth the time, particularly in a mixed climate like yours where cooling is a concern. FG isn't very effective in blocking radiant transfer, which with brick, could be a big factor at night.
If there are moisture issues, I'd fix them before insulating. And don't forget the air sealing. That's every bit as critical as the insulation, if not more so.
Andy
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