GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Retrofitting and insulating existing walls economically

Hammer| Posted inGeneral Questionson

So I have an old home with 3 rooms that need renovating and I am trying to see if there is economical and green way to do it.

1st room is in a attic turned bedroom. Walls are old plaster and lathe. There is zero insulation in walls and ceiling. Ceiling is actual roof underneath plaster. Can I retrofit insulation without ripping out entire wall and cover everything with 1/4 inch drywall or for health reasons I want to gut and start over.

2nd room is a small room next to a kitchen which is insulated but is covered with 1/4 inch plywood not sure what it is called that cheap underlayment sheets. Should I just add drywall over this and leave it.

Finally an old bathroom I no longer need. Whole thing is tiled wall ceiling floor etc. Concrete floor, no insulation. Rip this out or go over it.

Thanks, trying to be economical but safe. Thanks for any help.

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. Steve Knapp CZ 3A Georgia||#1

    Joe,

    I will ask a couple of questions to give your post a bump. What climate zone do you live in? What are the drivers for these projects? For example, are you concerned about comfort, reducing energy usage?

  2. Hammer||#2

    I’m in climate zone 5, upstairs room is for comfort. It’s very hard to cool down second floor. It’s the only room not insulated. My first floor is just for aesthetics.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |