Insulation retrofit for 50’s cottage – GreenBuildingAdvisor

Hi All,

This project takes place in Zone 6A, Chittenden county, Vermont.

The bungalow we are renovating has 2×4 walls, a vaulted ceiling, and doghouse dormers. I need your help in brainstorming what my options are for increasing the insulation and air tightness of the building. We don’t want to add exterior insulation because the siding is in great shape, and we don’t want to do a full double-stud wall because of the mini dormers.

The things to consider here are how to maximize R value with a minimal amount of thickness, and ideally use only class 2 and 3 vapor barriers to reduce the risk of trapped moisture.

We would like to heat the building with only ducted heat pumps, although there are talks right now of including a back up wood stove.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts!

-Austin