What is the best way to keep blown-in insulation from migrating into the interior of my onion house with layers of wall coverings and horizontal planks?
Asked by یاسمین رضایی 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 3, 2024
I can’t believe how many layers of wall coverings my “onion” house had! It took forever to get down to the horizontal planks underneath. The exterior was just as bad, with gaps and holes everywhere. Next up is electrical wiring and new sheathing inside and out. Any ideas on what to use to fill in the cavities between the wall studs to keep the insulation in place? Or any other insulation suggestions? And can we talk about the innermost layer of siding? What a beauty! We’ve finally got the first pressure treated skirt on and the walls are all level and sturdy. It’s definitely progress!
Have you considered using roofing felt paper to cover the plank walls?
https://jrproductsinc.com/product/polyweb-insulation-netting-folded/
Thank you, !
I personally feel like tearing this down would be a good idea. It seems quite rotten to me.
Yeah! Not in bad shape though. Built in the 1880s with poplar and oak. It would have been easier to just tear it down and start fresh, but where’s the fun in that? It’s all about the personal satisfaction of turning this into something fabulous. 😎
Sure, that sounds reasonable. I recommend getting the foundation fixed after gutting everything. It appears to be crooked in the photos.
Nice catch! I already have someone working on the other side.
Wishing you the best of luck! 🤞
When I first saw mine it looked like it needed a lot of work. But turns out, it’s actually built really well. The studs are all real 2×4 and 2×6. The siding just needs some love. Surprisingly, the roof is in better shape than my newer house in town. This place was abandoned for 20 years and the roof is way overdue for a replacement, but it’s holding up pretty well. Only a few leaks to patch up, one near a roof vent and the other by the kitchen plumbing vent. We fixed up the damage in the gutted kitchen, reorganized some rooms, and now we’re focusing on the outside. It’s on a secluded 16-acre property and it’s going to be our dream home.
Hey , what’s the plan for after?
I’m not so sure about that, she just mentioned that they’ve started working on the exterior.
Oh no, this photo was taken right after we finished clearing out the overgrowth around the house. We’re actually in the process of replacing the siding, installing new windows, and changing the porch roof design. The interior layout has been adjusted for a larger master bedroom and bathroom. Unfortunately, our contractor passed away in a road rage incident shortly after we hired him, so we’re taking on a lot of the work ourselves. It’s a slow process, but the house is solid underneath its current appearance.
Sounds lovely. It’s going to be amazing!
Rockwool batts have a similar R-value to cellulose but without the mess that comes with loose cellulose. It’s a fantastic material to work with, especially for DIY projects. And it’s nothing like fiberglass batts.
When you’re taking off the siding, make sure to add at least a 1-inch foam insulation board on the outside of the studs. Tape the joints and then put on new siding. Also, consider having insulation blown into the walls, whether it’s spray foam or damp cellulose. This will enhance the insulation value and air seal from the exterior.
Hey , I ended up with a bunch of 1” insulation boards that were sent to me by “mistake” – talk about serendipity!