"Walls"

Walls / Discussions

Is it ok to add insulation between joists in a crawl space?

...walls of the crawlspace are insulated and the dirt floor is sealed with a vapor barrior, but my indoor floors felt cold this last winter, making my whole living...

Posted by Cheryl Bottomley May 11, 2020 Crawl spaces

Do I need a standard 6 mil poly vapor barrier with dense cellulose exterior wall?

I'm renovating a 1915 bungalow in masachusetts with no existing wall insulation. I've opened the wall cavity and plan to use a dense pack cellulose to achieve ...

Posted by jeff Chormann May 1, 2020 Air and vapour barriers 2 responses

What is the best way to Insulate a basement and floor joists that are embedded into the concrete?

...walls where I found some mould to see that the previous owners installed batt insulation directly onto the concrete wall and didnt have a vapour barrier. I've a...

Posted by David Pereira April 28, 2020 Foundation and basement improvements 2 responses

Which is the best basement insulation?

...walls to separate the stud wall from the concrete. Our recommendation would be EPS rigid foam, read more here – Choosing the right Rigid Insulation Panels And y...

Posted by Alex Kesheshian April 23, 2020 Basements 1 response

What type of insulation should I put on the exterior of my new home?

Building a new raised bungalow in Ontario. 2x6 framed walls with r22 batt insulation and vapour barrier on the inside and just house wrap on the outside was wha...

Posted by Alex Kesheshian April 23, 2020 Wall assemblies - new construction 1 response

Can you use spray foam Insulation under a slab?

Were building a new house and are wondering if you can insulate under slab with foam polyurethane. If not, why? When building a slab on grade, EPS rigid foam i...

Posted by Linda Martin April 6, 2020 Slab on Grade 1 response

Can you add external insulation to a brick home?

...walls can dry Choosing the right weather barrier

Posted by Rachel Kaiser April 2, 2020 Wall assemblies - renovation 1 response

Can Rockwool be installed over Type II EPS?

I am replacing the windows and siding on my house built in 1994. The wall construction from interior to exterior is 1/2 " drywall, 2x3 strapping filled with fib...

Posted by Brian Bonnell March 30, 2020 Wall assemblies - renovation 1 response

What is the best practice to insulate a crawl space floor?

...walls, insulated and drywalled Crawl space has dirt floor, 3 cement block walls, open lattice wall to access crawl space, exposed floor joists 24'' o.c., height...

Posted by austin Fanning March 16, 2020 Crawl spaces 4 responses

What is the most efficient passive home design?

Are styrofoam forms a good idea? To find the most efficient Passive House wall, if your intention is to reduce your carbon footprint, starts with choosing mater...

Posted by Peter Riley Jan. 29, 2020 Passive House 1 response

What causes moisture on a ceiling in winter?

...walls and windows - what causes it and how to fix it This page as well about winter preparations covers the topic of condensation forming on walls in winter, an...

Posted by Cheri Banet Jan. 23, 2020 Wall assemblies - renovation 1 response

What are your thoughts on a Yurt for colder climates?

...walls, roof and floor, so not very energy efficient Drafty on a cold winter night Plumbing solutions can be tricky So it ultimately comes down to lifestyle an...

Posted by Lexy Cara Jan. 23, 2020 Tiny house 1 response

Halo Exterra rigid exterior insulation - has anyone work with it?

...walls for the main reason that moisture moves right through it, so you won’t accidentally be trapping moisture inside walls. It is also hydrophobic, meaning it ...

Posted by George Shannon Jan. 21, 2020 Insulation and soundproofing 12 responses

What is the best way to insulate the basement of an old house?

I read your article about insulating interior basement walls, using eps or Rockwool comfort board then 2 x 4 studs with rockwool bats. I've also seen the part ...

Posted by Bryan Squirrell Jan. 14, 2020 Basements improvements 1 response

What is the best foam board insulation under drywall?

I live in Climate Zone 6 in a low humidity, cold, and snowy environment. Heating only no cooling. Currently have T1-11 siding, tar paper, R13 FB insulation, and...

Posted by Wesley Pracht Jan. 11, 2020 Wall assemblies - renovation 3 responses

Is Condensation on Windows a bad sign?

Since the recent cold snap our double glazed windows are running with water, every morning it's all over the window sills, running down the wall - in the bathro...

Posted by Greg Olmstead Dec. 12, 2019 Walls and Roofs 1 response

Where can I purchase non-toxic interior wall panels near Laval, Quebec?

I live near Laval in QC and I am replacing wood panels in my basement due to a sewer backup situation. I have asthma and would like a lost cost non toxic wall ...

Posted by Louise Goulet Nov. 30, 2019 Basements improvements 1 response

Why do you shim up basement walls?

...walls completely, so nothing can get in or out, and the area can be kept clean. I can't keep it clean now because it's impossible. The masonry wall behind the e...

Posted by t b March 2, 2021 Basements improvements 4 responses