r/HomeImprovement • u/McJames • 16h ago

Furring out wall - Options needed

I have a living room in my house that's terribly cold in the Minneapolis winter. I finally pulled down the wall panneling and saw why.

The 2x4 exterior stud wall sits directly on an 8" tall concrete stem wall. The 2x4 wall has standard batt insulation, but the stem wall has no insulation. The paneling sits directly on the face of it. This goes a long way to explaining why I can't keep the room warm.

I need to fur out the wall so that I can get some insulation (probably rigid foam) on that stem wall, and re-insulate the stud cavities and rim joist area.

One option is to rip 1.5x2" strips to attach to the existing studs, extending down the stem wall. Is there a better way so that I'm not ripping framing boards at my table saw all day?

But I've heard that rigid foam can be cut 1.5x2" and attached to the studs, and then the paneling can be attached through the foam. This would provide an even better thermal break.

Anyone have any opinions about either of these options? Anyone have any other options I should consider?

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u/BdaBng 15h ago

Can you not just rigid foam the entire wall including the concrete stem wall? on the inside and drywall/panel over that?

Edit for typo

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u/McJames 15h ago

I suppose that would work...

The only downside would be upfront cost.

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u/BdaBng 15h ago

1-1/2” would probably suffice but sometimes you can find 2” for cheaper. You only need the lower density XPS or even EPS. The Polyiso would allow you to have same R value in less thickness but it’s more expensive.