GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Concerning moisture inside open cavity stick-built walls

topnotchtimberworks | Posted in General Questions on

My project is in DE near the beach – a high moisture area. I have a slab on grade “cottage”. The walls are 2×4’s on 2’0 centers vertically with 2×4’s also on 2’0 centers horizontally to the outside of the vertical studs – covered by painted T111. The “lid” is conventional trusses, vented, with foil faced rigid foam on the underside of the bottom truss chord. It was supposed to be a garage but it has morphed into a secondary living space for overflow guests, parties, etc and I want to use an air conditioner in there. I also want to cover the inside of the walls with sheetrock and paneling. I’m not planning on using any batt insulation inside the wall cavity. It’s never used in the winter. Am I too worried about moisture (then mold) getting trapped between the sheetrock and the T111? Are there steps I should take differently to reduce the risk? Or do you suggest I insulate it? Thanks for your opinion.

Greg at http://www.timberframe1.com

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Greg,
    I don't think you have to worry about moisture. But your air conditioning bills will be lower if you perform air sealing work and install some insulation.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |