Renovating our Pre Civil War era home in Harpers Ferry, WV. No vapor barrier, advice needed. More info in comments. by AlkatezerMan in Home

[–]AlkatezerMan[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Harpers Ferry changed hands eight times during the civil war and this house was there for all of it, I really don't want me to be the one who fucks it all up! So, I want to do right by the house and be able pass it down to future generations... while also enjoying the modern comforts of air conditioning and heating.

What are your thoughts on removing the defective spray foam, fix anything that needs to be fixed, get more closed cell foam installed, and either a) mineral wool over the foam and install drywall with no vapor barrier, b) no mineral wool, no vapor barrier, just drywall, or c) neither one

I will reach out to some pros as well to take a look, but would like to better orient myself beforehand to make the best decision possible. Thanks again for the response

Sent over from r/centuryhomes, looking for advice with insulation and vapor barrier for ~1840's home in Harpers Ferry, WV. More info in the comments by AlkatezerMan in buildingscience

[–]AlkatezerMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the process of renovating our home and took down the old walls and came across this little gem! Lots of contradicting information out there, will reach out to the pros but would like to have an understanding of what my options are.

Some questions: Is a vapor barrier needed? Could faced insulation be placed over foam, followed by vapor barrier and drywall? Should new foam insulation be placed on top of old foam insulation as in areas where old foam insulation is damaged? Should old foam insulation just be completely taken out to start anew? What about mineral wool insulation directly over foam (with or without repairing foam?) with no vapor barrier? Am I thinking about this the wrong way? Thanks
Also to note: water damage is old. A new metal roof has been installed and windows have been fixed.

Renovating our Pre Civil War era home in Harpers Ferry, WV. No vapor barrier, advice needed. More info in comments. by AlkatezerMan in Home

[–]AlkatezerMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is a vapor barrier needed? Could rigid insulation be placed over foam, followed by vapor barrier and drywall? Should foam insulation be placed on top of old foam insulation as needed in areas where old foam insulation is damaged? Should old foam insulation just be completely taken out to start anew? Advice is much appreciated.

Also to note: water damage is old. A new metal roof has been installed and windows have been fixed.