home insulation question...?

Question

I need to insulate my exterior facing walls in my home. They are too thin to add foam or blow in insulation to.
Instead of removing the plaster board walls that we have now and adding insulation then replacing the old walls with drywall...
I thought I could add that dense foam board and cover that with drywall.
Would that work to insulate well?

Presently you can feel the cold air blowing in from the outside because we just don't have any insulation at all in our wall.
I'm hopefull that by adding this foam board and drywall layer this will cut back on wasted money/energy trying to keep our home warm/cool

please don't suggest i side my house or do expensive renovations. i'm on a TIGHT budget... look for cost efficent ways to insulate.
thanks.

Answer 1

getting it filled with blown insulation would be the best as far as effiency goes but it also the most expensive and depending on how old your plaster walls are they will probobly crack and maybe even blow holes in it. blue board would be the cheepest and the most simple way to insulate without renovation. dont forget you will need atleast 2 1/4 inch screws to fasten your drywall to your wall studs behind the blueboard and plaster walls. I dont think it will hold up well if u just fasten it to the blueboard.

Answer 2

I suggest you remodel the outside of your house and while you are add insulation.

If you have siding on the outside just apply insulation foam blankets, tyvek type house wrap and then install the new siding.

You will save more money over time than it costs to do these upgrades in energy costs.

Answer 3

It will definitely help but you will get better results if you fir out the wall and leave a dead air pocket between the foam and existing drywall. Of course this will take up more area from the rooms.

Answer 4

How thick are you walls? Generally all walls are constructed with 2X4 framing. That's plenty thick for an R13 insulation. The cheapest way would be to hire and insulation contractor to drill small holes and fill it with fiber insulation. It will pay for itself in a very sort time.

Answer 5

Your idea will work, but I'm not sure how efficient it will be in terms of R value, or that it will do what you expect in extreme temperatures. Any insulation value added is a plus, and foam board will certainly help.

Answer 6

You might consider vinyl siding on the exterior of your house, with 3/4" or 1" Styro insulation. That will give pretty good R value. The vinyl siding looks good, is maintenance free, and comes in a veriety of colors. Check with a lumber yard or building supplies store