Double Brick Insulation Techniques
Insulation is a heat-flow barrier that keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Installing insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Insulation also improves soundproofing and weatherproofing.
Retrofitting a home is easier if you are going to add siding or remodel interior walls, because the insulation can be installed during the renovation project. Working around doors and windows can also be difficult for interior and exterior insulation applications.
Exterior Siding
If your brick is not in show condition or you do not care if it shows, you can install your insulation on the exterior of your home. Line the walls with a reflective vapor barrier. Tape all joints so the barrier is air-tight. Install R-10 polystyrene boards that have a weather-resistant finish over the vapor barrier. Cover the insulation with a house wrap and install your siding over the house wrap. Seal all joints in the insulation using tape or caulking.
Internal Walls
If you are insulating inside the interior walls, you must remove the plaster or drywall completely until the brick is exposed. Add a building paper and then two inches of foam insulation rated R-10. Add a vapor retarder or barrier on the interior side of the insulation where it will get warm from the house. Installing styrofoam insulation requires you caulk the joints between the insulation. Seal the vapor barrier so that it is air tight and cover the insulation with drywall.
Cavities
If you have cavities between your bricks and wall that have no insulation in them, fill these cavities with blown-in insulation. You must drill an access hole in each stud to gain access to the entire space. These holes must be about four feet apart. If your exterior is finished and does not need renovation, blow your insulation in from the inside directly into all of the wall cavities.
You can also blow insulation up from the basement or attic if both the interior and exterior walls are in good condition. Insert your hose all the way to the top, or bottom if you are in the attic, of your stud and slowly retract the hose 12 inches at a time after the space is filled. Install reflective insulation on the inside of the exterior wall prior to blowing your insulation in, and your insulation will not get wet from weeping bricks.Safety
Locate your electrical wires and outlets. Search for frayed or damaged wires and have these checked by an electrician. Identify any moisture problems and air leaks and have them fixed before installing your insulation. Wear goggles when using power tools and hammers. Wear gloves and long sleeves with tight cuffs to avoid skin irritation. Use a dust mask. Use all ladders and tools properly to avoid injuries.
Protect your feet and head and wear a hard hat and safety boots or shoes with good traction. Use a vacuum to clean up. Rigid insulation, paper-facing on batted insulation and air-vapor barriers are all flammable, so do not leave them in areas where they are exposed.