What to do with revolting internal brick walls?

9 years ago

Hello we are looking to buy an 80's style double brick house. It is a really, REALLY revolting colour - a mix of dark brown, burgundy, cream, tan and rust tones with a dark coloured mortar that is carried through the whole interior and exterior. We will investigate whether it has a cavity between the layers that we can put insulation into (hopefully!). If this is the case we will render the exterior down the track but only once we have taken care of the internal brick walls. If not it gives us a double dilemma!

First what can we do to the internal walls? Plaster boarding them seems like the best option, but to do this on the whole scale of the house seems like it might be very expensive, at least initially. I'm wondering if anyone has experience painting large areas of internal brickwork and whether it is an okay option or does it just create more problems?

Secondly with the exterior, if there is no space for blow in insulation between the two brick layers I am wondering if it is possible to apply something to the exterior that is durable and can handle the weather that can then be rendered. If so can you recommend something?
Thanks

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Comments (4)

PRO
ASVInteriors
9 years ago
In Europe we add foam insulation blocks to the exterior of the concrete or brick walls and then add a stucco over this. It has a knock on effect for window and door frame sizes but unless you can get blow in insulation (look up a product like isofloc) then that is the way to go. It is a pain but insulation needs to be done.Painting interior walls - do a search under advice "paint brick walls" you will find more than enough info - it is a whole encyclopedia of info!
rshinners thanked ASVInteriors
PRO
K.O.H. Construction Corporation
9 years ago
This is a must read article if you live in a Northern state, http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/insulating-old-brick-buildings
I have a winter home in South Georgia that has double brick walls. We painted everyone and it looks great.
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PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
9 years ago
I just finished a complete home renovation projects on the house which was built in the 1900's. The inside wall cavity of all exterior walls had the bricks in between the studs with plaster over them. I used insulation on the outside of the house and high efficiency HVAC system.
Areas where brick was removed for new wiring and outlets, was filled with insulation, all lose plaster was removed and patched and a 3/8" sheetrock layer was glued and screwed over the entire wall area.
Here is a few images from before and after
User
9 years ago
Mixture of plaster board on some walls and paint on others, for contrast in texture and lower cost. Different types of plasterboard exist for different rooms, eg noise suppressant, or fire suppressant or waterproof, or just normal.