[Greenbuilding] Insulation

[George J. Nesbitt]

    I had an insulation installer tell me some years ago that my stucco 
patching was the best he had ever seen. It could be from now 21 years of 
working on existing houses and having to match textures from time to time.

    My secrete is trying to patch using similar materials and 
techniques. If there is wood sheathing I plug it with PS foam plugs. 
Then I use a rapid set one coat stucco/mortar mix. I fill the hole, let 
it set up some, then texture with a foam trowel. Sometimes I do a 2nd 
coat to match the texture texture (depends on texture type). I then use 
an elastomer's primer with texture to help waterproof the hole.

    Sometimes they are inviable, but most can't be seen most of the 
time. sunlight at an acute angle is the hardest condition.

    I would rather insulate from the inside, but this is a messy 
proposition even when unoccupied. Depending on the type of interior 
finish patching isn't any easier to hide. Drilling lath and plaster 
isn't a problem with the right drill bit.

    Always prob the cavity to check where the next stud and any blocking 
are. I would love to take IR pictures and mark the walls so I don't have 
to make any extra holes hitting studs and blocking. I have never had a 
problem with electrical or plumbing, but would hate to have to fix any.

Always insert the fill tube in the wall and dense pack to 3.5lb/cf or 
greater.




Kathy Cochran wrote:
> I am getting ready to insulate the old 1940's house with blown-in cellulose.
> The exterior is stucco.  I have been advised by ALL THREE stucco bidders
> that the holes should be punched from the INSIDE, because they will NEVER be
> invisible from the outside, but with spackle / plaster interior patching
> they will be.  Just FYI.  If anyone has any other experience with this, and
> any different results, I would be delighted to hear from you.
>
> Regards to all,
>
> Kathy of kathys_old_house at goldrush.com
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
> [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Corwyn
> Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 3:41 PM
> To: Greenbuilder list
> Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] Insulation
>
> On Nov 01, 2007, at 21:56, Tim Vireo Keating wrote:
>
>   
>> I have heard that the blown-in cellulose (recycled newsprint) is the
>> best insulation when doing a medium-sized job on exterior walls. What
>> do folks on the list think? I'm thinking or recommending cotton (blue
>> jean) insulation for interior walls and perhaps exterior walls for
>> smaller areas.
>>     
>
> I think 'best' is always situational.
>
> That said, I like blown-in insulation for many exterior wall 
> applications.  Crack filling and full coverage are two advantages.  
> Batts are good for places where you aren't worrying about infiltration. 
>   I suspect that both being cellulose they perform about the same when 
> applied well.
>
> I have often wondered if I could shred old clothes sufficiently to make 
> blown-in insulation out of it.  Get all of Goodwill, Salvation Army, 
> Rummage sale, leftovers and use it to again keep people warm.
>
> Thank You Kindly,
>
> Corwyn
>
>
>