Looking into buying this house that was built around 1900. From the photos, it appears that there is a layer of shiplap underneath the siding. Is there any way, barring ripping all of the siding off and re-sheathing and wrapping the house, that I could go about insulating? I've read a bit about insulation and moisture problems, and the idea that you need the vapor barrier seems to be somewhat disputed (according to this article the sheetrock ends up behaving as a vapor barrier). It also appears that this structure has some lateral bracing, so the sheathing may also be overkill. So what would be the most efficient way to insulate? just pack the walls with insulation and seal for air leeks? Get some closed cell foam panels and cut to size? Experience would be appreciated.
Also found this interesting article.
Best Answer
Ahhh...the good ‘ol days. We didn’t worry about much: 1) single top plate, 2) top plates not lapped at corners, 3) no headers in non-bearing walls, 4) no hold downs, 5) is that a floor above those ceiling joists? 6) that beam on the left with just a single stud under it probably doesn’t mean anything either.
If you live in a high wind area or a high seismic zone, you may want to put some clips on those ceiling/roof joists, add a hold down or two, check your anchor bolt sizes, etc.
You can’t follow the “prescriptive path” for energy compliance requirements with those 2x4’s. You’ll need 2x6’s or add some rigid wall insulation, extra ceiling insulation or install a super efficient heating system...all of which requires a ton of calculations.
BTW, do not install plastic sheeting vapor barrier on the inside of the walls, unless you live at the North Pole.
You’ll need to Solve some of these issues to get a Building Permit. You are getting a Building Permit, right?