insulating an unusual framing cavity
Old_house_PEI
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
Hi everyone, I am insulating the walls of a almost 100-year-old farmhouse and in one room on the first floor the walls are framed on a basement beam but the floor joist also sit on that same beam so there is a cavity continuing down below the floor. I’m wondering what the best way to insulate that is that will provide proper insulating but also deter rodents from nesting in there? Do I continue down with the bat insulation or should I put in rigid foam? Spray foam isn’t really an option for cost reasons. Thanks,
Jason
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Replies
I would probably just use mineral wool in there. Critters can chew through spray foam, rigid foam, fiberglass, and even mineral wool, but I've found that they seem to like chewing mineral wool the least.
You might try sliding some 1/4" hardware cloth in along the side(s) of the mineral wool that you think rodents might try to enter from too. The hardware cloth will provide a chew-proof critter barrier regardless of the type of insulation you're using.
Be sure to air seal things while you're insulating.
Bill
Thanks. I wondered if mineral wool was a better option than fiberglass. I prefer it overall but it's more costly and not always available where I am. I have some that I will put in those cavities and I like the hardware cloth idea too. Thanks!