renovating a 40’s colonial. stucco over concrete block walls. (insulation???!!!)
my wife and I just bought our dream home and I am just beginning the process of renovating. The House has stucco and stone on the exterior with concrete block walls built in 1948. the house has already been gutted and we are replacing everything- plumbing, electric windows, roof, etc.. My dilemma is how i will insulate??? if I modernize this home with a goal of efficiency and make it Air tight with controlled heating zones, radiant heat, modern windows and doors, mechanical ventilation and vapor impermeable spray foam will I run into problems with water and moisture in the future. From what I understand Stucco will absorb water and if the house can no longer “breath” as it did with its original un-insulated plaster walls, will I be setting myself up for disaster. this home is in Westchester county NY with cold winters and hot humid summers. removing the stucco and re-siding is not in the budget for this already massive project I have decided to undertake. does anyone have experience with this type of renovation? all help, tips, suggestions, Do’s and Dont’s would be appreciated.
Replies
This is what you need. It will answer all your questions.
https://www.buildingscience.com/bookstore/ebook/ebook-builders-guide-cold-climates
Thanks i will look into it
Having owned a concrete block (CMU) house not far from where you are located I can tell you that the thermal mass of CMU is amazing even without any insulation at all it does very well at holding heat. That house was not stucco but had aluminum siding
My current house is 100years old terracotta block with full 3 coat stucco. I painted the outside and suffered no ill effects. Most in our area would recommend Thoroseal paint which allows water vapor to escape without blistering.