Insulating Exterior Half Wall With Deep Cavities
Hello.
Let me first say that I’m as perplexed as anyone by the 2×10 framing here. That being said, I’m faced with having to insulate and finish this area. I’ve done extensive research into insulating basements and have come across the plethora of theories, facts and opinions on the subject.
I’m fairly comfortable with how to handle the below grade portions of the basement — 2″ foam -> stud wall, with or without batt insulation -> drywall.
However, I’m stumped on the wood framed portion and the extreme depth of the 2×10 framing makes it all the more difficult to reason about. That OSB you see in the attached image is covered with, I think some type of material and then vinyl siding. I can’t really identify the material in between the sheathing and siding. At the very least it’s some type of wrap and at most its foam but no more than an inch thick if so. Light blue in color, I think.
The previous owner had kraft faced R-30 fiberglass batts in these bays and it was finished with drywall/paint. No signs of moisture/mold etc. However, I don’t know how much the space was conditioned while they owned the place, or if that matters.
So, my question is do I insulate with kraft faced R-30 FG -> drywall -> latex paint or is there something else I should consider. I’m more interested in not causing moisture related issues than I am in maximizing comfort/R-values, etc.
The location is lower central PA, Zone 5.
Thank you.
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Replies
It would be a good idea to identify the material on the sheathing, or more specifically, its perm rating. There is a good chance that it's vapor permeable, which is good, but a slim chance that it's vapor closed, which would be bad.
OSB doesn't hold up as well as plywood over repeated wetting cycles but I think you would be fine with fiberglass batts, as long as you use a variable permeance membrane on the interior to stop most moisture from getting into the wall.
Hello, and thanks for your reply.
Should it be faced or unfaced fiberglass? Also, can you elaborate on what a variable permeance membrane is in this case?
Thank you.