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Posted by Jim Elbrecht on November 9, 2008, 7:36 am
>My external 2x4 walls (Philly, PA) are currently open (from the
>inside) and I am about to put R13 insulation in them. Are there some
>additiona quick-an-easy things that I can do at this point to improve
>insulation. I'm thinking some reflective surfaces or something like
>that. Any ideas? I would hate to finish the wall only to realize I
>could have done something else easily.
>
Caulk, caulk, caulk. I like Great stuff at this point. If you
can make a room dark- go in on a bright day and look for pinholes. If
you've got some wind- find air leaks with a candle flame.
Your goal is to make each stud cavity a separate dead-air space.
Then I like to use unfaced insulation and cover the entire wall with a
foil barrier. I used to always use a foil faced kraft type paper
about 36 inches wide. Run it horizontally & tape the seams.
Last time I used a foil-faced bubble wrap stuff. It came in 16 & 24
inch widths and overlapped on the studs. It was expensive- but my
theory on insulation is that it pays for itself in both comfort and
$$.
And don't forget to use tape around outlets and insulate behind them.
[I use 1"styrofoam behind switches and outlets.] And use those
little pads under switch and outlet covers.
Do not compress the insulation.
Jim
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