Removing wood chip insulation

Q. I have wood chip insulation in the attic and walls of older home that needs upgrading, at the same time I wish to replace the wiring. To remove the chips in the walls, do we go from the inside wood wall or the outer wood wall? - Marilyn

A. I highly recommend that you include an energy assessment of the home prior to embarking on your renos. You’ll learn a ton about how the home currently operates thermally. Your energy assessment may offer recommendations that can significantly improve the comfort in your home without having to go to huge expenses in time and materials. You may come to the conclusion that a complete tear-out is not essential.

(Photo: Hugh Cairns)

You can improve almost any building system, in any climate zone and as long as is designed, detailed, planned and executed correctly. Prior to embarking on re-insulating the home, include an insulation contractor as well as a qualified electrician to avoid costly mistakes caused by improper techniques.

Check with your local hydro office for a recommendation of someone to do an energy assessment for you. Your utility provider may even pay for a portion of the energy assessment. Some of the changes you make may qualify for grants towards future equipment and insulation.

Expect the energy assessment to recommend where to spend your money to get the best result. Energy assessors usually don’t undertake renovation work because they usually focus on assessments and recommendations, so they won't sell you something you don't need. At the end you should receive a detailed report.

Most likely the energy assessment will reveal the need for reducing air leakage. The energy assessment should include a “blower door test” that helps determine how much air your house is leaking into the great outdoors.

Expect your doors and windows to be a source of drafts, they may even offer low thermal values and be a cause of concern. While previous generations may have been content to live in drafty houses, most people expect comfortable warm houses. A healthy house today is well sealed, well insulated and properly ventilated.

I think that deliberately removing lathe and plaster for non-essential reasons should be avoided. Some people believe that lath and plaster are a part of the character of the house and should be preserved if at all possible. Pulling plaster is an unhappy job. Ask your energy assessor to pinpoint the improved R-values of upgrading the perimeter insulation and compare that to the costs of the upgrades – see how long it will take to get a return on your investment. The cost of removing and repairing the walls is a significant cost.

Now back to your question, “to remove the chips in the walls, do we go from the inside wood wall or the outer wood wall?” Notwithstanding the results of the energy assessment, for insulation and wiring purposes combined, remove the wall materials and the insulation from the inside. Think of it as reversing the interior finishing. Removing the plaster walls and wood chip insulation from the inside will allow you to furr-out the original wall, rewire, re-insulate and add a vapour barrier before adding new drywall.

You can improve almost any building system, in any climate zone and as long as is designed, detailed, planned and executed correctly. Prior to embarking on re-insulating the home, include an insulation contractor as well as a qualified electrician to avoid costly mistakes caused by improper techniques.

You’re going to need to get started by involving a licensed electrician. One that has experience in this area is highly recommended. Start with asking for a T&M quote (Time and Materials). The cost of the materials should be fairly predictable and competitive. The estimate for time should be based on experience of similar jobs, but there are so many unforseens that you must understand and expect that problems will be encountered. Think about adding a “not to exceed” limit. An overall limit is a good idea for the entire project, but try and get phase pricing for the project so you know where you stand as you progress. Make sure you take out the necessary permits and get a scope of work and a contract in place before you start.

For more information on wood chip insulation click here.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.