I am currently replacing a shower. The house was built in 1951 with mineral wool insulation. I am wondering, is it worth it to tear down the existing plaster outside the shower area so that I can install new R-13 insulation. The walls are framed with 2 x 4’s. Am I going to gain much insulation value to make it worth demolishing original plaster walls to be replaced with drywall?
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You can get more R-value than that in several ways. With even just plain batts - you can get R15. Ue foiam and go up from there.
But if your walls are in otherwise good condition, and you don't need to change anything else, I don't think it is cost effective to tear things out just to increase the R-value.
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Where are you? If you were my neigbour and have to heat the house from September to April, it may be worth it, but probably not.
Have a good day
Cliffy
I am in New Mexico.