Insulating a Barn Without Removing Siding
I have a good size Barn with a loft area. It has wood siding, but it was built with no type of plastic, or vapor barrier between the exterrior studs and the siding. I am in North Florida and the heat and humidity keeps me from doing much work out in the barn. I would like to section of part of the barn and add insulation, and a mini-split A/C so I can actually work out there, and keep some scuba gear in more of a climate controlled condition.
Is there a way for me to do this without tearing all the siding off and starting from scratch?
I have not decided how I prefer to finish the inside walls, so I am open to any suggestions. I am primarily looking for shop space, so I would be happy with plywood or some sort of paneling for walls.
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Replies
Barns are tough, they're built to be well-ventilated.
Could you build a "house within a house" type of thing where you build an insulated room inside the barn that doesn't touch the exterior walls?
Caveeagle, Martin's advice in this article will be helpful for you: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/insulating-walls-in-an-old-house-with-no-sheathing. I know you have sheathing, but the principles are the same.