Should I Insulate Between Brick & Drywall?
The net effect of insulating between brick walls and drywall is negligible, particularly if you are dealing with an existing construction that would need to be retrofitted. Even new installations get minimal benefit from the extra layer because the void space between the drywall and the brick is so limited. It is possible, but there may be things you can do elsewhere that result in a greater net gain in efficiency.
Adding Drywall
Adding drywall to an existing brick or masonry wall involves attaching furring strips (2- or 3-inch wide and 1- or 2-inch thick strips of wood) to the wall with concrete fasteners. The drywall is attached to the strips, and this leaves a void space of only 1 or 2 inches between the two surfaces. The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate within these parameters is to add foam core insulation equal to the thickness of your furring strips.
Existing Home
Insulating between the drywall and the brick behind it in an existing home requires major renovation. The drywall is removed enough to give access to the narrow void space created by the furring strips so that a spray insulation can be added, or it is removed entirely and redone with foam core insulation and new drywall. This creates a dramatic impact on the room, and the cleanup alone is expensive. The overall energy savings will never be realized in your lifetime. It is far better to redouble your energy-efficiency efforts by bulking up and modernizing the insulation in the attic and upgrading the windows and exterior doors.
The Bottom Line
The cost of retrofitting existing homes with insulation between brick and drywall is prohibitive compared with the benefits. The impact of construction is dramatic, and the reduction of energy use and addition of home comfort is minimal.
New construction realizes a small benefit from installing foam core insulation, and the cost and headache involved in achieving that benefit is minimal.
If "every little bit helps" is the way you approach making your home more energy-efficient, there is no downside to insulating brick walls.
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