Expert: Michael Curry - 3/30/2008

Question
Hi!
WE have recently purchased an 80 year old church in COLD Saskatchewan. We are converting it into our home, and are just getting started. The existing walls are 2x6 construction with wood shaving insulation and lath and plaster (22? inch centres). Since energy efficiency is super important to us, but we are on a VERY tight time and money budget, im considering these options instead of removing the lath and plaster:
a) frame right over top of the original walls 24 inches with 2x4s (slow expensive)
b) PL400 board insulation common in basements directly to plaster, and pl drywall to insulation and secure with screws.

Is option B a possibility? will it meet code? will it be efficient? will it stay put? We have 17 foot walls!

Is there perhaps a better idea we have not thought of? Blown in doesn't seem to be viable as the walls are already full of chips and shavings....

THANK YOU@!

rod

Answer
Hi Rod.

The best way to do this is to remove the lath, plaster, and wood shavings - re-insulate and drywall. It is probably no more work than the other options. As for option "B"; this will also be expensive and leave you with a substandard finish.