HomeFocus.com Create Listing
Contractor Directory Talk Boards Ask the Expert Resource Library Top Real Estate Agents Home Plans
Home | Contact Us | Job Opportunities | Client Login


It's fast, easy
& free!

click here


Login

Username
Password

I forgot my password




Ren Molnar Bio



Ren Molnar Archive



Homefocus Archive


Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Insulation > Caveate

Question:

I own a house built in 1956. There is 3/8"drywall on the ceiling then vermiculite insulation then paper backed insulation laid on top.I noticed that when I tore a hole in one there was water on the second layer.I'm going to have the fun this summer of removing all that and blowing in new stuff. No matter how much you beg me I know how much fun this is and you cant help. I want all the fun for myself. The question is,do I cut and seal in strips between the joists or could I put the v.b. on the old ceiling and install 1/2" drywall on top? I'd rather mud and sand than have to crawl around our low slope roof since I'm 6'4".

Answer:

Your problems go beyond what is obvious - vermiculite has proven to be not at all user friendly and should be removed professionally. Your fun may come to abrupt end if you ingest it. When you have the workmen there, they should remove insulation and VB. You can then lay 6mm poly on the ciling below it and cover that with half-inch drywall.


In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.

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.

"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips"
is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.

It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.

To order, simply send a cheque or money order to:
Ren,
P.O. Box 9411,
Ottawa, Ontario,
K1G 3V1

E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95.
Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95.
(subject to change without notice)
Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it.
Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips
makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone:
Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you,
Good neighbour
Ren

Answered By: Ren Molnar

More Questions & Answers ...

1. Is it normal to have the insulation of the ceiling done before shingling for the roof? If some how the insulat ...
2. i agree with your system of insulating a basement.i have a question about the vapuor barrier.how important is ...
3. I have 'mica' insulation in my attic. House is in Pickering, Ontario and is at least 40 years old. ...
4. I own a house built in 1956. There is 3/8"drywall on the ceiling then vermiculite insulation then paper backed ...
5. I will be building a 1 storey cottage later this year. The cottage will be built over a large rock which has ...
6. I am interested in a home that was built in 1955. It was sided with wood clapboards and in 1972 foam insulati ...
7. I have turbine vents and two cross vents in the attic. There is snow blowing into the attic and laying inside ...
8. I want to re-side only the north side (cold) of my house adding perhaps 1.5 inches of rigid foam insulation un ...
9. I have been reading some of the archives about houses that are more than 90 years old and have plaster walls. ...
10. I'm interested in insulating my lath and plaster walls. What is a vapor barrier? How do you determine i ...
11. I have plywood over the insulation in the attic. The attic trusses are 6" thick and I believe the original own ...
12. I have a very old home with 2 x 4 roof rafters. What is the best way to add batt insulation to the walls? Curr ...
13. My husband is renovating our 40 year old bungalow's basement. At first, he put up vapor barrier on the co ...
14. We live in Manotick, Ontario our house was constructed in the 1970s, and the walls are 2x4 construction. Three ...
15. Our house was built circa 1900. We are remodeling our bedroom which is enclosed by three exterior wood/slat la ...
16. Can I use pressure expanding foam. If I insert it in the botton of the frame with 1 inch holes at the top of ...
17. My son in Vancouver is considering the purchase of a home which has a low rise roof and no interior access to ...

Home Plans