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We just had some water pipes freeze and break. The plummer fixed the pipes but now I want to rip off all the paneling and put better insulation in the walls. The previous owner put the paneling right against the studs, is this normal? It seems to me that there should be something more substantial behind the paneling.
We live in the country (midwest IL) with plenty of wind so I will be putting a vapor barrrier in the wall also to help stop drafts.
Ck. the building codes for your area to see what the rules are.
I would think drywalling and THEN paneling would a.) provide/enhance insulation b.) make it a lot easier and safer to hang things on and c.) act as a noise barrier...not to mention the added stability factor.
I can't imagine your insurance would cover you w/o plaster or drywall over the studs.
That is what I was thinking on the building codes for this area. I am sure the insurance co. does not know about the lack of anything behind this paneling since it is just in one room, I think/hope. The rest of the house has plaster behind any paneling.
It's another case of a jack of all trades but master of none.
kananne, In this economy you have to do what it takes with what little money you have. If panel isn't molded or wet insulation isn't involved then a suggestion is to put thick rough paneling on top of thin cheap stuff, will aid as insulation and may save some money and time. My dh did that years ago in old homestead and it really made a difference in heating.
