Insulation technique for a 1930’s home
I have recently bought a 1930’s townhome in Ottawa Canada.There is very little insulation in the house,the walls will be taken care off over a long term renovation (i.e. 5 years). there are 2 areas I would like to tackle right away .(1). insulating the attic, a flat roof.built up tar and gravel,with about 12 inches of ceiling joist space. (2) insulating the basement walls,a 24″ thick limestone wall.Iwould like to insulate from the inside as the foundation continues up about 3 feet from grade.I am wondering If there are any issues I should be concerned about given the method of construction.Does the attic/cieling joist area need to be vented or can I blow in cellulose tight to the roof deck?Is there any problem with insulating the basement wall from the inside, some people have told me this could be bad for the stone wall. I have not been able to find too much Information on these areas and was wondering if anyone could help provide some insight.
Replies
The talk of a long term reno later concerns me a little. Dens cellulose would be the best and economical way to hit that ceiling now, IF you get a good contractor to do it right. The concern comes in when I think of tearing that ceiling down later - yuck!
Spraying foam to the inside of the rubble wall basement is the right one. The concern there comes from the fact that, if it is not on a good base or footer, or if the soils surronding it have too much water from bad drainage planes or unmaintained gutters and drops, then they are more likely to freeze, expand, and push the foundation around. My own thinking on that is that if things are that bad, you need other work done more than you need insulation.
Excellence is its own reward!
Have Dave Palmer from Warmth Insulation in Perth have a look at it if you want it sprayed with PUR. He does a lot of heritage buildings and homes in the area.
Gabe