GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X 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

How to properly insulated shiplap sheathing on brick veneer

anthony83 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Recently bought a fixer upper 1929 two-story house in Texas. What would be the correct way in insulating the exterior walls if the walls have a layer of brick veneer followed by an air gap, followed by both interior and exterior shiplap sheathing, then finally drywall. Do I need to gut the wall, taking down the interior shiplap, exposing the studs and exterior shiplap sheathing? Any suggestions on how to approach this.

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. GBA Editor
    Brian Pontolilo | | #1

    Hi Anthony,

    Seems like it would be okay to retrofit dense-pack cellulose in your walls, assuming that they are not leaking. If rain water is getting into the walls, that needs to be fixed first.

    Dense-pack cellulose is an environmentally-friendly option that provides decent R-value and some air sealing and would avoid the collateral damage of completely gutting your walls.

    If you did choose to gut the walls, you'd have the opportunity to do better air sealing, you'd have more options for insulation, but that's a much bigger project.

    More on cellulose insulation here: How to Install Cellulose Insulation

    1. anthony83 | | #2

      Thanks for the suggestion. My only concern with this method would be moisture. I don't no if I have any gaps on the other side, or if moisture would collect when I dont have a vapor barrier in place. As much as it pains me, I may have to gut the walls just to have the peace of mind.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |