I’m back today with an update on our Den renovation. Just to refresh your memory, we had to gut our den because of crummy construction, no insulation efficiencies, bursting pipes and freeloading squirrels. You can read the beginning of the story here.
We’re starting all over. And when I say starting over, we’re starting over and doing it right.
With our old farmhouse, starting over, starting at the very beginning, required some research. And my research was dominantly focused on insulation. First off, we simply needed insulation. As I have mentioned before, we have very little to no insulation within our house. Originally, whenever we would be in the den, a draft was ever-present; to the point that when Mac would sit in his favorite chair, he would tell me it was “windy in here.” The chill in the winter coupled with the heat in the summer, was grueling. We needed to bring the 1820 up to speed with 2016.
Enter ROXUL© insulation.
After performing all of my research, I looked no further than ROXUL©. ROXUL© insulation goes above and beyond what other conventional insulations offer. Here are the reasons why ROXUL© should become a household name:
- ROXUL© has a high R-value and provides energy savings all year around. This, right here, is huge. The main function of insulation is to provide indoor comfort, so the fact that Roxul provides this, all while helping to save a few bucks – well, a no brainer.
- ROXUL© is a soundproofing insulation. Amen. I can be in the kitchen doing my thing, and I won’t have to listen to iCarly the whole time. Done.
- ROXUL© is fire resistant! It’s unique composition won’t burn, or release toxic gasses or smoke. Amen. This, right here, is an awesome insurance policy for the ole mind!
- And did I mention that ROXUL© is water repellent?!!!! It sure is! Even after exposure to water, it dries out quickly and won’t slump in the wall cavity. And too, ROXUL© does not contribute to mold or fungal growth. Based on our past experience with ice damns that melt and seems to drain in our house, and old house woes in general, this insulation is the perfect fit.
All of these reasons had me at hello.
So, going back to the gutted walls, the reason why the drafts were ever-present and our pipes kept bursting in the winter is because there was no plywood (nor proper insulation) between the outside walls and the drywall. And too, the outside walls had some gaps that also let the outside air come through the walls and circulate freely. First order of business – caulk the gaps and install plywood. This was a must and will help the insulation work efficiently.
With the plywood in place, it was time to install the ROXUL©. We chose an R-15 for the walls. No straight edge razor needed here to cut. All that is needed is a serrated knife or a drywall saw. Measure an inch in length longer than needed and start cutting as you would a loaf of bread. Couldn’t be easier. The ROXUL© fits right in place, all snug and cozy.
With the vision of keeping our ceiling vaulted after we removed the drywall, we went with R23 for the ceilings. Because of the thickness of the ROXUL©, we cut and installed 2×6 beams, sistering them up to the existed beams in the ceiling. Two through bolts were screwed into each beam and we were in business to start insulating the den’s ceiling.
We were able to crank out the insulation installation in just a day’s work. I cannot say enough great things about ROXUL© insulation. It truly is the best insulation on the market, and believe me, I did my research. I compared, and compared some more. ROXUL© is the top of the line.
So, this den remodel is coming along. Yes, a little slower than desired, but in our case and with the age of the house, slow is thorough. Dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. Rework the electric while the walls are open, and all that. Next up is installing a vapor barrier, then the shiplap on the walls.
I would be remiss if I didn’t stress to you that although we have a very old house, they don’t build them like they used to. New construction needs top notch insulation as well. Look no further than ROXUL©.
And so the den remodel continues. Stay with me as I share with you how we’re heating the room during the winter. Another game changer for our den.
This post is sponsored by ROXUL© Insulation. All opinions and cozy talk are all my own.