Wall Covering Options for Old, Uninsulated Home
I have a 1920’s era home in Oklahoma with original wood siding. We are doing a kitchen remodel (among other things) and have gone down to the studs in the kitchen. The contractor originally wanted to put in bat insulation in the stud bays, but after reading numerous articles on the perils of placing insulation directly against the siding, I do not want to go this route. I have read the articles discussing insulation techniques in these situations, but we are already over budget and I have concerns about asking the contractor to do a technique he has never done before. Would it be acceptable to leave the walls uninsulated and use a fiberglass mat gypsum panel for the wall covering? The original wall covering was plaster, but we are not doing that. I am not worried about energy as the rest of the house will remain uninsulated regardless. I am really just concerned with moisture issues and mold forming on the back of the wall covering now that it will no longer be the original lathe plaster. I am pretty ignorant in regards to construction, but it seemed like fiberglass mat is marketed as being mold and moisture resistant. Would this work, or are there better options? Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Replies
I have the same general question. I'm in an 1860 balloon frame house with original wood siding; all plaster and lathe had been removed when I bought it. I was considering tacking house wrap or vinyl acoustic sound proofing material (Audimute 3.2 mm Peacemaker Sound Barrier) on the back of 5/8 mold resistant sheetrock (before installing) and otherwise leaving the bay open to breath. Might that be a good method to prevent mold, give me a defense against air penetration and help with noise from the outside. - I'm in a cold climate and on a road with some traffic. If the wood siding and the original wood sheathing are in good shape, is the mold resistant sheet rock enough to prevent mold any itself? know nothing about anything and am on a tight budget. .
On a tight budget,, I would want to leave the walls open until I could afford to install insulation (with some kind of feature to keep an inch of space behind the siding)
Mold will grow where moisture collects on a surface that will feed the mold. (including wood studs)
It seems to me that if there was no indication of moisture in the stud bays then both your exteriors are shedding water properly and you and use batt insulation with no worries.