Greetings,
Want to correctly insulate the joists bays this summer. Right now just have pink fiberglass and it is not the correct way to go. I'd love some feedback from you folks.
First, I don't really have a rim joist as the house is built on a c.24" thick rubble/stone foundation with two "sill stone slabs" on the front and back of the house. House foot print is c. 18' x 32' rectangle. The brick walls are right on those stone slabs at the front and back and then right on the stone foundation along the sides of the house. That leaves a million little gaps with only the exterior mortar keeping the outside world (partially) outside.
I'm thinking of two routes:
pricing/getting a DIY two-part foam kit. Concern with this method is that there is so much loose mortar and a century of krap in those bays that the foam will sit on this loose debris and not really seal the bays. I've Shop-Vacced up in there, but I never seem to get all the loose stuff off and out. That debris will be "the weakest link" in the attempt to seal it all up.
The other method is cutting rigid foam board for each bay and using Great Stuff to seal all around the boards. I like the reversibility of this method and also that it'll be way less expensive. I will encounter the same anticipated adhesion issue with the boards, especially the bottom of the board that will sit on top of the rubble wall, i.e., extremely wavy, non flat surface with loose mortar and debris.
Any thoughts on the two above routes?
Also, thinking it may be worth investing in the Great Stuff Pro gun. There are different models. Anyone have experience with these?
Also, Also, anyone know or have experience with Great Stuff Pestblock? I'm wondering if it has the same insulating/air sealing properties as the regular product, as well as what it is that makes this stuff block pests?
Thanks for any and all thoughts!
Want to correctly insulate the joists bays this summer. Right now just have pink fiberglass and it is not the correct way to go. I'd love some feedback from you folks.
First, I don't really have a rim joist as the house is built on a c.24" thick rubble/stone foundation with two "sill stone slabs" on the front and back of the house. House foot print is c. 18' x 32' rectangle. The brick walls are right on those stone slabs at the front and back and then right on the stone foundation along the sides of the house. That leaves a million little gaps with only the exterior mortar keeping the outside world (partially) outside.
I'm thinking of two routes:
pricing/getting a DIY two-part foam kit. Concern with this method is that there is so much loose mortar and a century of krap in those bays that the foam will sit on this loose debris and not really seal the bays. I've Shop-Vacced up in there, but I never seem to get all the loose stuff off and out. That debris will be "the weakest link" in the attempt to seal it all up.
The other method is cutting rigid foam board for each bay and using Great Stuff to seal all around the boards. I like the reversibility of this method and also that it'll be way less expensive. I will encounter the same anticipated adhesion issue with the boards, especially the bottom of the board that will sit on top of the rubble wall, i.e., extremely wavy, non flat surface with loose mortar and debris.
Any thoughts on the two above routes?
Also, thinking it may be worth investing in the Great Stuff Pro gun. There are different models. Anyone have experience with these?
Also, Also, anyone know or have experience with Great Stuff Pestblock? I'm wondering if it has the same insulating/air sealing properties as the regular product, as well as what it is that makes this stuff block pests?
Thanks for any and all thoughts!
