I'm dealing with a major heat issue in my 1950s brick house during the summer. The interior walls are just furring strips attached to double wythe brick, meaning there's only an inch of space between them. Because of this, the outside heat radiates right into our living spaces, pushing some top-floor temps as high as 90 degrees even with the AC running. I've already insulated the attic, but it hasn't made much difference. I'm considering adding insulation to the walls from the outside, possibly using closed-cell foam spray and foam board, topped with vinyl siding. I'm curious about the feasibility and potential risks of this approach.
4 Answers
Honestly, you can insulate from inside as well by drilling into the drywall and blowing insulation into the walls. It’s a process, but it made a big difference in my home — less heating and cooling, plus it muffled outside noise. Just don’t forget it can be quite a labor-intensive project with all that patching and repainting!
Yeah, it’s a bit of an effort, but if you can swing it financially, it’s definitely an option to consider.
Insulating the exterior might seem appealing, but it’s not without risks. You could end up creating vapor barriers on both sides of the brick, which can trap moisture and promote mold or even masonry damage. The best method for insulating structural brick is usually to remove the interior walls and install proper stud walls instead. But if you want to explore exterior options, definitely weigh the pros and cons carefully!
Yeah, I’ve read that if your brick absorbs water without adequate warmth inside to prevent freezing, it could lead to spalling. It’s a tough balance!
That makes sense! Just a heads up, if you’re looking at structural longevity, traditional methods could save you headaches later on.
Have you thought about using spray cork for the outside? It’s a nice alternative, plus it would add some R-value along with the insulation that you might add to the interior walls. Worth considering!
If you're set on insulating from the outside, just keep in mind it might set you back $20k with contractors. It’s a hefty investment, but if it keeps your house cooler, it could be worth it in the long run!
I can second that! It was a big task, but the payoff in comfort and quiet was worth all the work.