Insulation?

I own a home in SE Pa. that was built in 1916 and is 2 1/2 stories with a basement and attic. It is of brick construction with plaster walls on the inside. My daughter and her family of 6 rent it from me. On November 30th of 2021 there was a house fire that was contained in the living room but the smoke damage is throughout. In the living room the firm that is doing the reconstruction has torn out the plaster walls and will replace it with drywall. The lath is still up and right behind the lath is the brick and there's not much depth at all. Should I insulate those outer walls before the reconstruction begins or is it okay just the way it is? I don't know if brick walls are good insulation or not. When it was built in 1916 fuel oil wasn't 4 bucks a gallon! Thanks.

 

Brick is not an insulation product and yes, you should add whatever is possible. With limited access and space it sounds like foam would be an option. High R value, and capable of getting into tight spaces.

 

Short answer is houses really weren't insulated when yours was built and this is probably the best chance you're going to get to add some.

 

Thanks, you guys. I am now planning to insulate but I'm not sure how yet. I am going to call the supervisor of the reconstruction and see if he would have it done even if I must pay for it. Thanks again.