Question:

I have a 100 year old home with the original clapboard siding that is in wonderful shape. However, in the early '40s the owners placed insulbrick on the house and I am inquiring as to the R value of the insulbrick. Should I leave it up and place a cement fibre board over top or can I remove it and enjoy the original siding the house was built with?

Answer:

The insulbrick siding has negligible R value but more important, it serves as a vapour barrier and its on the wrong side of the wall cavity. This becomes condensation city and would best be removed before it causes more damage than it already has.

In the interests of retaining credibility that I worked several decades to establish and in fairness to all, I cannot comment on specific products, recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects.

Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.

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Answered By: Ren Molnar

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