Hi, All!

If you were to insulate the outside walls of an old wooden house, what kind of insulation would you recommend using in the walls?

My home is an old wooden two-story, American Four-Square that has aluminum siding on it.

Thanks!

I know there are insulation experts on here so I know you will get some expert advice, however...

Are the walls open (drywall or plaster removed)? If so you may consider the blown/foam insulation available. May need a pro to do that for you. The old standby is fiberglass batts as thick as your wall cavity will take.

Is there already insulation in place? Is air infiltration a problem?
Where are you located? Good luck!

Hi, 435Studio!

The walls haven't been gutted in any way. There is no insulation in place other than the very thin layer that's underneath the aluminum siding.

Yes, air infiltration is a problem... I'm in the upper part of Illinois.

Thanks!

You know how much we love our Illinois winters so I am surprised you have no insulation. What year was the home built. To do a good job you need a Tyvek wrap under the siding and full thickness batts between the sides whether they are 2x4 or 2x6, fill the cavity. Post construction makes batts out of the question. I'd call 3 contracts in your area and get their bids and their ideas of how to do this. My personal choice would be new siding after blown in is installed and a wrap applied, not a DIY and not cheap. Call Wallfill in Wheaton.

Hi, ballengerb1!

My intention is not to keep the siding. This is a designated historic area, and what people do is to take the siding off their homes with free help from neighbors and then do the insulation. Although, my insulation inside the walls is probably going to be applied before the siding is removed. I've qualified for weatherization help through a local, community action agency.

My home was constructed somewhere between 1910 and 1920.

Thanks!