How to Choose and Use Insulation | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the wide world of insulation. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Up in the loft, Tom and Kevin discussed different types of exterior wall insulation and how they're installed, both for new construction and retrofit situations. The materials included liquid spray foam, recycled denim batts, fiberglass batts, blown-in fiberglass, and cellulose. Installation of vapor retarders over insulation was also discussed.
Shopping List for How to Choose and Use Insulation:
notebook [amzn.to/2LnmzOb], pencil [amzn.to/2ZVftVe] and calculator, used to calculate and record insulation costs and quantities
Tools for How to Choose and Use Insulation:
tape measure [amzn.to/2MXmOkN], for measuring room dimensions
Tom showed Kevin a variety of materials used for insulating exterior walls, including Fiberglass Batts (faced & un-faced), blown-in fiberglass and liquid foam (open & closed cell).
Manufacturers: CertainTeed Corp [www.certaintee...], Bonded Logic, Inc. [www.bondedlogic...]
Supplier: Kamco Supply Corp. of Boston [www.kamcobosto...]
Additional assistance provided by Anderson Insulation [www.andersonin...] (installers of several insulation types), Joseph Lstiburek, building scientist, Building Science Corp. [www.buildingsci...]
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How to Choose and Use Insulation | This Old House
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[@103realtree2]

I remember as a kid, being very annoying at the adults watching this old house. Now I’m an adult watching it and love it..

[@djrelic247]

the original song would make me so sleepy. I really appreciate it now and watch a lot of videos.

[@CertifiedMailSignatureRequired]

we should start a club. Tommy is my new uncle.

[@leeboy244]

me too ! my dad loves this show &when I was little a hated it .haha

[@armandozuniga4623]

The thing that would annoy me when I was a kid is missing this old house and not viewing how they finished the house and expecting to see a new episode n getting a repeat

[@angelinimartini]

We have all really grown up to become our parents lol

[@WakandaBabe]

I just had my attic air sealed before I added new cellulose insulation. The process was: All the old insulation was removed. Then an electrical contractor rewired the entire house; all knob and tube wiring was removed, not just deactivated. After the electrical inspection by the city, the insulation guys came back and air sealed the attic. They used foam board and various foams for cracks, etc. I saw pictures of what they did and the amount of work that was done was amazing. They also air sealed my basement in the same manner. Then new insulation was blown into the attic and more insulation was blown into the outer walls of the house. All the insulation work was done by a BPI certified contractor. Then an inspector came with a heat device and checked the heat loss. A few spots in the walls needed to be 'topped off' and that was done. The difference in my house is amazing; no more cold spots! I have a 1927 Craftsman Bungalow so I still have, and intend to keep, all the original windows, so heat loss happens there. I have caulked all the windows. I am working on getting interior storm windows but in the meantime, I put up plastic coverings. Even with the old windows, the house is significantly warmer. What a difference.

[@TedTedness-wu4vb]

What was the cost for just the full insulating?

[@joanns.6380]

I'm saving your comment. I want that done to my home. Just what I was looking for. Thanks for leaving your comment.

[@FranciscoMartinez-zv2rw]

Finally found what I was lookin for!!!! No other video talked about which direction the moisture barrier should be on!!!! Thanks you tommy

[@laurabrown6002]

One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

[@clarasantiso8246]

Love, love, love the detail in explaining the subjects of these men.

[@ericdurrwachter957]

Building new house in 2021, wanted to go with closed cell, but with increased lumber costs went with wet sprayed cellulose. Thanks for the informative video!

[@ShiningSakura]

I'm surprised they didn't talk about mineral wool or even sheeps wool as insulation. Sheep wool is a bit niche but mineral wool is very popular and readily available.

[@vap0rtranz]

I like mineral wool too. Evidently it can be blown in but I've never seen it in loose fill bags or heard a a contractor up for doing it. Hardware stores around me only carry mineral wool batts. So it's just more challenging to find it or find someone who'll blow it in.

[@jamesedwards1528]

So glad you guys touched on vapor lock with the visqueen some very stubborn people would not listen to me about it

[@rekinlas]

In my denver 1.5 story home, i could not get the upstairs below 78 on hot days with the AC cranking full time. (My system was working properly but flow upstairs was weak). My cellulose insulation was only about 15 inches. I had a contractor add "caps" to the 15 can-lights and seal them, top off the insulation to 36 inches, and foam a few spots like where my two-story living room wall abutted the attic over the garage. The difference was amazing. If the AC is on, the upstairs is about a degree warmer than the 73 degree main floor, and the AC will now cycle. But even on hot days, if i run the house fan at night, the house is cool enough to where i wont need the ac until the afternoon, if at all.

[@rdooski]

Thanks to everyone in the comment section that mentioned rockwool. Its seems impossible but somehow I had never seen or heard of it. And it has all of the qualities I was looking for.

[@johnsage1020]

N n

[@Spooms1961]

Brilliant! Thank you for clarifying some of the basic ideas with insulation. Well done guys.

[@laurabrown6002]

One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

[@c86tail]

Tom Silva is a genius. I would love to work with this guy

[@richardwrynn824]

Tom is good at what he does. The few old timers who know their stuff and take pride in what they do are getting fewer and fewer. Cheap, sloppy and fast is the way most houses are built today.

[@c86tail]

TheSeattlegreen - and your a tool. Crushing isn’t it.

[@JerryJohn01]

Thank you so much! This is awesome information for a first time home owner like me

[@plastifabusa5953]

One of my favorites!

[@laurabrown6002]

One of the Best Ideas of SoundProofing is "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

[@mikegrimaldi5844]

Wish they talked more about the vapor control layer. It’s a topic on its own so may involve lots of details when/where/why to use.

[@donnyjackson1908]

I did Rockwool with Certainteed Membrain as the vapor retarder on my new build.

[@VP411Designs]

What brand of Vapor Retrader did you use?

[@LavinaSINGH-o5p]

I bet everyone here is an adult and loves watching their videos bec it useful to them, while my science teacher sent me 21 videos of this Chanel to watch, which I am dying from

[@robinanddad132]

good information good old pink never let us down

[@78910milo]

that was everything I was asking!

[@reddog418]

If you're here in 2020, it's been determined that water vapor amounts for about a quarter of a pint over the period of a year. Compare that to almost 12 quarts of water with just a 1 inch hole in your wall. Air movement > water vapor, every time. Also, a latex primer over your drywall is more than enough of a water vapor barrier.

[@victorseal9047]

Good information. But, no mention of what I found to be the best of all , Rockwool !

[@davidthompson7344]

Something no one talks about and most people don't realize is that the rigid spray foam insulation offers no sound proofing. My neighbor spent a fortune insulating his entire house with it and now he can hear someone's conversation on the sidewalk as if they were in the same room. Personally, I would spend the money on ICF instead.

[@JayKay9112000]

You can use a combination, 2” closed cell to get your air and canoe barrier, then 3.5” of rock wool, then 5/8” sheet rock.

[@JayKay9112000]

There’s also sound dampening you can put behind the drywall

[@davidthompson7344]

@jaykay9112000 - I actually wouldn't do that either as it puts the vapor barrier (the foam) too close to the cold side of the wall (for my climate zone anyway - zone 6), asking for condensation and mold. Plus, who wants to hang entire homes in 5/8 board? Not me.

[@briand.1694]

Because it dries hard, it become a sound 'conductor'. It creates a 'circuit' for sound to travel from the exterior to the interior. The other insulation's do the opposite with 'Rock-Wool' having probably the best sound-proofing characteristics. As with many things, there are trade-offs. . .

[@JayKay9112000]

Brian D. I have now put spray foam in my ceiling and exterior walls, and I don’t notice anymore sound than when I had fiberglass. If you look at the sound dampening tests spray foam is only slightly below fiberglass in the testing

[@antimatters6283]

Good, QUICK review.

[@davidgunther1282]

I can't believe there was no mention of faced vs unfaced and the benefits of each, especially when talking about moisture/water vapor.

[@badairbnbguests.robert6516]

There is so much more about INSULATION - thermal barriers and air sealing and perm ratings, testing the air tightness using a blowerdoor. and then there is the off-gassing of foam, and then there is the carbon emissions of creating the product. what product is natural ? Healthy ? Affordable ? DENSE PACK CELLULOSE

[@calebstarcher4934]

Closed cell spray foam has a much larger R-value however.

[@ximenoworks]

Nothing was mentioned about Stone Wool or Roxul or fire prevention.

[@Engineer9736]

ximenoworks There was something mentioned about fire prevention.

[@lindamunsey9898]

How do I get insulation into existing walls

[@shawnr771]

Linda Munsey He covered it at the end. Home Depot rents a machine. Drill about a 2" hole at the top of the wall between each set of studs. Lots of holes. The machine grinds it up and blows it into the cavity. Then repair the holes.

[@astroko]

Outside, inside og in between :)

[@dbodooley]

Lemay that’s mainly used for fire blocking and sound. I’ve never used it for thermal.

[@jefftrifiletti9663]

I work at owens corning and i never make fiberglas with a poly vapor barrier looks neat

[@gjkrisa]

I’m not so sure that heat wants to transfer to cold but cold with add force to heat. I’ve noticed this with my insulated over shoe that in the truck I will have the heat on high and not feel the heat in my boots but 30 seconds after I step out side I feel my feet getting really warm and can feel it for awial. Now with houses I’ve noticed ac will run for 15 minutes at a time during the day when it’s 90 outside but as soon as temps out side reach 60 starting at 7pm I notice inside temps go up and the ac is running almost none stop till 2am we keep inside temps at 65 2x6 fiberglass insulation with internal vapor barrier. Also before adding ac inside temps would be ok at 75 during the day till it started getting colder outside then temps would reach 90 inside with all the windows open the best way to solve the issue was to have fans on one side of the house sucking and another blowing it out to force the air otherwise it didn’t seem to really move. I’m thinking a heat shield may work better if you could build a awning around the whole house with a air gap atleast three in from the actual house may help? Since heat Shields work very well for car exhaust. Even better would be to add a three inch vacuum chamber around the whole house but can’t think of any good way of creating that

[@MRrwmac]

Two questions for Tom please? 1- How can a DIY homeowner put any of the retrofit insulation in ourselves without hiring out the job or renting a blower? 2- Why is the foam (or other full compact insulation) so popular to you Tom, when I have seen you trying to run wire or cable down the inside of an existing wall? Or for that matter, repair or run short plumbing vertically? Thanks to the team for all these Videos!! I learn something from all of them (wish your team could come to my house and video some needed repairs).

[@tonym1279]

FYI...closed cell spray foam is the best insulation...BUT - you can't do it yourself and it's expensive. And if done incorrectly it can be dangerous and possibly render your house unlivable.

[@thebeststooge]

I saw that on KZbin from a segment on the CBC where homes were made unlivable and people had these brand new homes but had to live in a trailer outside of the home or they would become instantly sick and the horrible smell too.

[@larrymaloney877]

@@tonym1279 , it's not "the best" it harms our ecology big time. You can insulate inexpensively and reach zero energy.

[@peterharper9703]

Thanks!

[@myhandletre3]

Closed cell 2” all you need. The best! Open cell max fill cavity then trim. Second best!

[@merrynethery5853]

And rot your timber joists. No one is using it in Europe and banks will not loan, nor insurers insure houses with either type of spray foam.

[@evankaden657]

We need an update that includes Rockwool in the comparison.

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

Very nice! Especially for people who is just thinking about insulation! What exactly you would recommend for a plain 20+ years old (not commercial) single level residential house insulation? Brick veneer outside, than timber frame and plasterboard inside (with empty voids of course) :) I can see a soft maths at retail which are very similar to one of your samples. However nobody from experts can advise me about a vapour barier. How to do this? What kind of material I have to use? Is it something special or ... any plastic film can be used? A very interesting subject- what do we have to do with ... massonry "weep-holes" underneath? Should we cover them or leave them open? And, btw.... while insulating empty walls we are creating a nice environment for "crawlers". It will be convenient and warm for them to grow their colonies. How to prevent this "side effect", please? Thank you

[@RyanJohnsonD]

Great vid. Update please with radiant barrier materials. Please also have a series on passive house materials.

[@maudessen573]

Looking for up-to-date info on insulating full masonry buildings like my 1903 residence in St. Louis.

[@nic190]

Great video. Now I know to get the vapor retarder ,live in north east

[@augustreil]

It's either paper faced insulation or un-faced and poly plastic.

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

nice info, Thank you for sharing !!

[@alwaysrockn2009]

Great video!!!

[@zachwilkinson9470]

What about insulation for interior walls, like for multi-zone interiors or for sound insulation?

[@ZachAshcraft]

Rockwool is a great option for this, great sound deadening properties. Matt Risinger has some good videos on it

[@JoyceMarie-mp4cn]

Which one to use on exterior underneath an elevated tiny home? 600 sq ft with only a sub floor.

[@Dlmcd00]

Hello guys, why there is no closed caption? Please do the closed caption for all deaf and hard hearing to learn more everything as you said on video, it is very important to us to know what to do to our improvement in our future! Thank you...Dave

[@yellowdog8092]

Great information. My home is about 50 years old i have no insulation in the floor and very little in the attic. What are my options?

[@rudymmirelez6289]

What is the construction of your home? Open attic? Walkable? What's What's siding? Basement? Crawl? Slab?

[@cwhite8860]

Thank you, good information! Is there any health risk with anyone of these types of products or anything to look out forward when having a company install?

[@jesfrex]

Faced insulation can be used in garage attic, with faced going below and also installing plywood boards on top of joists for walk over? Should be unfaced be used instead of faced?

[@organicvids]

They make pourable closed cell foam. Dont mix more that 16z pours at a time in 2x4 wall cavities.

[@MrVocalBaby]

Great video, thank you!

[@CyndiLH]

What about the chemical off gasing of the foams, Boron on cellulose, etc...?

[@nicksmith2544]

Great informative but what about the new smart barriers? When should they be used?

[@MeowfaceMusic]

A-frame house in California. The section I’m thinking about currently has a sheetrock ceiling with insulation blown on top of it in the attic. Temps can get above 100F here. Can I get away with taking out the ceiling (and therefore insulation) and install stuff directly to the inside of the roof as an insulation replacement and reasonably expect the space to not get super hot on a 100-degree day?

[@jonathangwynne1917]

For simple stud/joist bays, I prefer rock-wool. Better R-value than fiberglass, waterproof, fireproof and better sound deadening.

[@larrymaloney877]

Those qualities are determined by which rockwool you buy. You don't get high R-value and high fire resistance in the same package.

[@tarlach1280x960]

@@larrymaloney877 you're full of Bologna mr. Maloney

[@larrymaloney877]

@@tarlach1280x960 have big mamma read you the labels, child. You can if you want.

[@robertyoung1777]

Closed cell foam may transmit noises through the wall. What’s the best for clean air in the house? Do these emit toxic fumes?

[@KnightofAntiquity]

Make your house as cold as possible or as hot as possible for your climate. Then open all your windows.

[@ltcajh]

I like a show that teaches you how to fix and build. All the other shows entertain, but don't teach you much.

[@mickmage91able]

Which would be better to insulate the plywood side of a house. Open or closed cell foam. I live in the middle region. R38 is what I've been recommended

[@campampates]

which one keeps the house cooler during the summer and keeps it warm during winter!!?? Vegas weather is killing me heereee

[@calebstarcher4934]

Any sort of insulation will do that.

[@rubbersole79]

Anyone know of an option for insulating a beatiful old cabin with log siding ext, and vertical pine solid paneling inside?

[@hayden9102]

It’s hard

[@CogitoBcn]

Probably reframing exterior walls inside and re-panelling them, but depending on the footage of the rooms you will lose quite percent of it.

[@bmbpdk]

Fiberglass? Decades ago we stopped using that in Denmark; 1: Its not fireproof as rockwool is, 2: The glass fibers tear apart lungs and the internals of those who have to work with it. And good luck getting a wire or a pibe behind or into that sprayed insulation, and if you cut a groove then you have to reinsulate that groove

[@BlueGamerDude]

use duskmask. but i agree you should only use rockwoll

[@fivestar2227]

Yea fiberglass is a pathetic insulation rockwool #1

[@JayKay9112000]

GamerBrian81 you can just use a can of foam to fill in any hole you need to cut, its not hard at all, plus if you’re putting in spray foam you’ve already got modern wiring

[@BlueGamerDude]

@@JayKay9112000 the house will burn down in minutes

[@JayKay9112000]

BlueGamer Dude no, spray foam has a fire retardant added to it. I have it and my house is fine.

[@JimmyBamis]

Can i insulate interior walls of my attic? I have a furnace in the attic and want to keep it as warm as possible since it's very cold in 10 degree temps in winter time.

[@coreysgmail7261]

Hi in New York, NYSERDA and coned offer company’s to come in with a rebate and insulate attic with loose fill and closed walled with a blown in insulation without removing the pink. It feels like they just want to get in and out. And make a lot of money Can you tell me what I should use in the attic and in the walls …. Should they suck out old stuff

[@ellypotamianos1846]

Which is the best retrofit material for a cathedral ceiling through the fascia & soffit to add present bat insulation in Illinois weather. Venting along the soffit was shut due to the moisture condensation inside & vents at top of roof left open cause scaling at top of beam inside. Thermal imaging was done and the corners & a 4 x 5 foot area over the front door was missing insulation. Advise would be greatly appreciated.

[@MarkHerndon]

What is the sound proofing level of the green foam insulation?

[@ricardoclemente3255]

things to considered in any insulation: fire; sound; temperature; moisture

[@mousearebec]

I watch this show on You Tube and the the TV....... it's just too bad we don't have these type of craftsmen in the Houston area...... where things are very often built the "Houston way".......... aka, build it so it "lasts" a year, after which, the warranty is up and it is the homeowners problem. See these poor workmanship issues all over town. Especially on the west and northwest side. Pretty sad.

[@cup_and_cone]

Mickey Cook - Cough DR Horton Cough. That's what happens when you get a home builder that only goes with the lowest bidder on everything, and a lead contractor who is never on-site to make sure quality is met as workers come and go.

[@mousearebec]

Yep I was doing an inspection out in Katy/Cinco on Friday..... $350K house with the most basic AC system you could put in. Only 9 years old. You could see them in most of the houses in that subdivision. Even the house next door to this one had 3 different types of siding/brick. Two different types of brick and Hardi also....... what was that about. But you'll still have people buy this junk.

[@lavastonesnull6686]

Mickey Cook

[@HollywoodCreeper]

That is what happens when you hire illegals and find out who built your house.

[@shawnr771]

@@mousearebec See if that was one of the last houses built in that subdivision. Many times the developers will use up left overs on the last house.

[@SheenaRea]

I'm trying to figure out how to get mold and mildew from developing in a large closet. Because it's on an outside wall, moisture seeps in. Tried DampRid (hardly any good) and a small dehumidifier (fairly ok). Does blown cellulose fix this issue? Or do I need a vapor barrier as shown at 2:38?

[@zacharywarner1678]

What's ur opinion on rock wool. I've heard alot of great things. Fair price as well. Building at 10,ooo ft. Need to be warm.

[@jeff15]

I recently installed it on part of my basement, saw a difference right away. Wear gloves and eye protection. I recommend to anyone. I paid about $51 for one pack covers about 59 sq feet of space. Good luck.

[@richardmitchell7339]

What about external insulation products to reduce damp and black mould inside the home.

[@CarlosNavarro-cp9go]

Cellulose is the best bang for your buck......insecticide and fire retardant included....easy pick

[@AnaIG4]

Long term closed cell is better, saves a lot more in utility bills and is moisture resistant

[@rauljaimes6739]

Does this still stand for insulating a solid brick home?

[@lukei6255]

Why not just using bricks as we do in Europe? How long this insulation and timber boards last?

[@ajoy2w]

I have a house built in 1935 and it has no insulation on the outside walls. All it has is wood vertically going across the frame of the house then this black paper and finally the original wood siding. Should I use a Vapor Retardant on both sides of my fiberglass insulation? I live in Northeast Ohio so we get weather like New England.

[@SHANKDAWGBABY]

Have you discussed insulating a crawl space on this channel?

[@johnbecich9540]

Matt Risinger has. But I wouldn't want any flammable foam beneath my feet; that would be an accelerant in the event some fire (or even malicious intentionally-set blaze) began in said crawl space. Rats chew wires, too. Smoke from polyurethane foam is notoriously toxic. Smoke rises!

[@33khamilton]

Looking for advice, what insulation should i use on an attached to house garage wall? Paper out with a poly vapor barrier? Or no paper with a poly batrier? Thank you very much.

[@hvnlyangellee]

How about foam panels? Also which way does the foil side face. This is for a wood shed in Fl. No barrier on outside of shed.

[@johnbecich9540]

If you have FOIL, that's a radiant barrier. It MUST have an air gap (vacuum would be better, but that's impossible on earth) and the foil should remain SHINY for best effect. Why? Because conduction (intimate contact of foil shiny side with other building materials) defeats the radiant stop. So never put shiny where it will get dusty or coated with anything. Radiant barriers work both as high reflectors and low emitters; they work in "the dark" and are fabulous for attics, to retard radiant heating of attic from hot roofing shingles. Shiny side DOWN; or IN. EXCELLENT for garages that suffer from sun exposure in hot climates. Caveat: sub-rafter foil is a rat haven! So you must defend against rat infestation.

[@scottwebber652]

My question is would a layer of blue or pink board on the studs but under the drywall be effective ? Live in Minnesota

[@chrishotrod6603]

Which one is good gor blocking outside noise?

[@KaioStryker]

What about Georgia? Sounds like I’d need a vapor retarder??

[@ModSquads]

Love this show. Can the retrofit blown insulation be used for plaster lathe walls? I have a brick colonial.

[@chrisdix1390]

Yes it can

[@ModSquads]

@@chrisdix1390 Great. Thank you

[@WakandaBabe]

I have lath and plaster walls and had insulation blown in my exterior walls...no problems at all. I have a 1920s bungalow. If you have knob and tube wiring I would make sure you can blow in insulation over that. I was told that is a no no.

[@zobomaz]

how about rock wool insulation ? the fire proof insulation?

[@dngriffiths8105]

If you want to have some comfort as to which material to put in your home, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHy9lWSQic-psKc It's a slam dunk: Roxul rock wool every time.

[@howtomakepottery]

1200 C. From the Rockwool site, "ROCKWOOL insulation won’t burn, or release toxic gases or smoke when exposed to high heat. Smoke kills-fire produces toxic fumes and these fumes tend to rise, so danger increases at higher levels in the room. ROCKWOOL resists temperatures of up to 2150◦F (1177◦C) without burning or melting which is well above heat levels of typical house fires."

[@larrymaloney877]

@@howtomakepottery , tread lightly. There are several grades of Rockwool. Some have great fire retardant qualities but a lower R-value. The better R-valued Rockwool gives up its fire retarding abilities. The manufacture obscures that fact in its literature and advertising, in my opinion. The low R-value, fire retardant variety is great for blocking holes during new construction.

[@tarlach1280x960]

@@larrymaloney877 you're full of Bologna.

[@larrymaloney877]

@@tarlach1280x960 , Have your mother read you the labels as a bedtime story.

[@temichel]

What is the best insulation for an attic?

[@MACDADDY3HUNNUH]

Did u find out?

[@FrancisMacomber1936]

what about mineral wool?

[@dsmevo2003]

What would you recommend using on a 100 year old house in Montana?

[@RobinDarland]

or iowa? I have a 4 square with a hip roof. Just had it roofed with new shingles.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

We have a attic with no insulation at all. . We want to go with the spay foam but what kind do we use and what company to trust? HELP This old house is more then welcome to my home.

[@Labbestuss]

Dont use foam. Dont risk your families health. Also it difficult to get out or install stuff in it. Use fibreglass or rockwool.

[@thedyslexic9936]

We can go from -40F (-40C) in the winter to 104F (40C) in the summer. Would you consider that to be like New England when it comes to vapor barrier/vapor retarder?

[@augustreil]

Yes, but -15 to 100f.

[@Gogala]

Hi - my bedroom is right above my garage. I am planning to have closed cell spray foam insulation on my garage ceiling. Do I need to put dry wall after or can I leave the spray foam exposed? I live in Toronto and it gets very good here during winter months. Thanks in advance.

[@microphonixvirtualstudio1634]

Most people will heat their house in winter and cool their house in summer. If you Heat the house, you would want the vapor barrier on the inside. When cooling the house you want the vapor barrier on the outside of the house. What would be the most efficient thing to do in that case?

[@leoszky1659]

Microphonix Virtual Studio it would be closed cell spray foam. It will protect you for both season because it’s also a vapour Marier

[@soahcalm]

i have an old house 1930 no insulation.. stick built.. it has a cavity to insulate.. but right now its got a lot of wet on the bottom of some of the walls.. about a foot off the floor.. those floors are close to the ground the crawl space, is literally so low you cant crawl under those parts.. there is vinyl siding outside but i do not think there is a vapor barrier at all.. its just the clapboard and walls, i think its plaster but i dunno if someone has put sheetrock over it in an attempt to cover wet walls.... i have to drill in to see if its plaster, but i'm guessing that it is due to its age... how can i insulate these exterior walls.. can i use foam in insulation with a vapor retarder on the inside and put up new drywall.. ripping out all the exterior plaster walls. or will it still sweat and get damp because there is no vapor barrier outside ? i know i cannot strip all the clapboard cladding off the house and add vapor barrier i just don't have the funds.. can a vapor barrier be put between the vinyl siding and the wood clapboard siding? or will this trap moisture.. another thing i thought about doing was taking down the outside walls, putting an inch of cut to fit styrofoam between the studs leaving a little room between the clapboard siding and foaming all around the styrofoam... to stop air infiltration and then putting the fiberglass batting inside and then drywall... will this work? or is there a way i can blow something in the walls and not cause it to get damp and rot down the walls. i've read that blow in in an old house with plaster can cause house rot and damp walls and attract bugs.. ?? any suggestions? i am driving myself nuts trying to figure this out... we have two trooms at the back that we tore the wet wallboard all out of its a board batten type of add on, no airspace, it has wood clapboard on the outside and then vinyl on top of that, i want to build new 2x4 walls and insulate the walls in these rooms but what should i do.. should i just strip off all the wood and vinyl outside and put on plywood and a vapor barrier? or is there a way i can do it without having to strip off the clapboard siding... i really don't want to have to do that if i can get by another way... the house is right nearly on the ground towards the back, all the sills have rotted, they have poured a concrete ditch all round the side of the ouse in a U shape in an attempt to direct water away from the foundation.. im worried that this is the reason for all this dampness its just not doing its job... help!!

[@mauricebrown9094]

I hope you guys look at your old video comments.. Topic: insulation ideas. Imagine this , you have a very old place , that is not insulated at all. Each wall interior & exterior are 4inchs and are covered with Rimu timber T & G. Floor & Ceiling is the same .. used to have the old hessian sacking on it when we have removed for insurance purposes. skirting where the floor meets each wall , door & windows surrounds both inner and outer have 7 1/2" molding on them.. cannot get under house to insulate.. Firstly we would like to insulate the floor .. Our first thought was to bring the whole floor up 4" or 6" and fill with solid insulation , then put down 3/4" board on top, then flooring of some kind. If we do this where would we put the vapor barrier??? would this be some thing your team could recommend ?? Secondly . the outside walls are stucco with the T&G behind it. At this stage we don't want to get rid of it, so will be insulating from the inside.. if we take the inside T& G off should we put a vapor Barrier in each cavity before putting in insulation or put it on after we insulate each cavity ??? what sort of insulation would you recommend ?? This old house is not in the USA.. Thank you for your comments.

[@johnagricola5954]

Question i have a shed the wall are open cavity. I also live in Flroida, very hot. My concern is wall are open, so can i installed a vapor barrier push in between the studs and thn installed? avoid mositure and mold.

[@steveclements399]

great video. I live in New England and will be building a new home. I want to use closed cell spray foam and have had others suggest 1" of foil backed board over the spray foam on the inside of the house to stop thermal bridging - what is your take? Thanks

[@GhostRiderSpiritOfVengeance]

Hey, I was curious what decision you went with, if there was anything you wish you knew in advance, and how is it holding up 5 years later?

[@Preppy_Olivia13]

I live in Ohio, can I and/or should I use Open Cell spray foam? We've gutted the lower level so it would be like applying it to new construction but the upper level will be retro fitted.

[@joesmith5302]

Closed caption essential for these high info, instructional videos. Sound quality seems to vary greatly video to video.

[@CougarLand]

That's why these guys work on old homes... so they can stick wiring down cavities where there is little insulation in the way. Most of these methods "blow" your chance of touching that cavity again. Of course if people cared more about external insulation as they should, then the stud bays wouldn't be such a big deal.

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Ummm, so why would he say keep the fiber glass loose and then later keep them dense? So which is it?

[@saharasimpson4350]

So I’m 22 buying an apt and need to insulate I’ll probably keep/ live in the house for 3-5 years but eventually sell any recommendations

[@AnaIG4]

What did u end up doing? Closed cell has a high return on investment, but high initial cost

[@johnjacobjingle7177]

Ground bluejeans😮

[@wvaraujo1]

What about the 2×4 wood spots? They don't get any insulation?

[@TampaMaximumMike]

huber zip system

[@alonzojohnson7955]

Tom rules new show

[@jamiefm484]

which is best for a sound proof wall ?

[@doomaster4]

I'm thinking stone wool

[@bigbadpman]

Open cell without a doubt it has by far the best transient noise reduction levels 70% at 120mm thick

[@LiveFreeR_Die]

Jamie FM Deaf neighborhood,

[@foghat34]

Cellulose insulation has the best soundproof.

[@sirlancelot836]

Roxal stone wool

[@rumberajana]

What about a basement that is prone to dampness?

[@MM2009]

1st rule do not use foam. 2nd what's the point to go over the top with the insulation when the cold is still bridging through the studs

[@raeleenmandy6359]

What about califorina , do you need air vapor barrior

[@ronsmith7739]

Use rockwool, it's the best. Fire proof too.