Insulation question

I'm going to take down some old 70's style paneling in two bedrooms and sheetrock this spring. While its open, I thought about upping the insulation in the exterior walls. Can I just stuff new in there over top of the existing, or is that a no-no for some reason. Or am I better off to take out the old and put in new, or just leave the old stuff alone entirely?

also, will the sheetrock make a big difference in the noise barrier between interior walls? (You can hear through that panelling pretty good) Or do I need some noise insulation stuff in those walls as well?

Well?? I haven't got all day!!

 

wtf

 

You're not much help, are you?

 

you wouldn't want to stuff the new on the old. If it is blown insulation in the wall, just vacuum it out as it has probably settled pretty badly anyway and if it is Batt, just pull it out.

Insulation works because of the air space within the fibers so if you compress it by stuffing another layer on top, you just negate the effect it would have.

As for the sound...not sure but I would think the sheetrock would be at least a little more effective.

 

Like Mama Duck said, if it's blown insulation just vacuum it out and intall new batt (fiberglass) insulation. It will help with both noise and temp control.

 

Just put the sheetrock over top the paneling, then get those cans (probably won't take more than 200) of Great Stuff, drill a hole through the sheetrock and the paneling and squirt that stuff in there. It will kill all the sounds.

 

It's not surgery, just take the old out and put the new in.

 

Thus the reason I asked, and I quote, "Can I just stuff new in there over top of the existing, or is that a no-no for some reason. Or am I better off to take out the old and put in new, or just leave the old stuff alone entirely?"

 

It probably doesn't matter other than the ability to fit more, newer and better inuslation in if you have all the space to work with. Just make sure you get your lightening rod recharged at the same time.