Have just exposed (perhaps foolishly) the entire interior of a 4-story brick house from 1865 in Poughkeepsie, NY. We may cover some of it back up and are wondering how one goes about insulating on top of brick walls (considering vapor and moisture issues specific to brick). The house will be heated with in-floor radiant. We are also looking for suggestions for alternative insulations that are highly effective with higher R-values (especially for the attic ceiling). Some of the most interesting materials I found online were (unfortunately) in London. Have seen some info on the recycled denim for interior walls/ceilings. We'll also need a sprayable material for around the windows. Help, please!

Look at Icynene and Demilec expanding spray insulation. Open or closed cell as needed. DensArmor paperless drywall a must. Been a long time since I worked in the north so requirements for brick applications I can't speak to. Lots of insulation types available U.S.

Thank-you. I'll look into those. I was told about Icynene, but it sounds like there's some controversy about it's porous qualities in regard to moisture, so I wasn't sure if it was appropriate around brick. Should have mentioned that the brick is 3-thick in the basement (with air gap) and 2-thick above (with air gap).

Rememnber the open and closed cell aspects of foam. They both have their place and application. GR

Any desire to explain open-cell vs. closed and the advantages and uses of both??

It is my understanding that open cell is applied fuller in thickness as it has a higher expansion rate and will allow water to pass through it. Some believe this is better at the roof line to locating potential water issues in the future. Breathability. It fills larger voids and is usually 6" thick at the roof deck, burying the top truss cords.I think it is 1.5 lb. foam. Works great in framing thicker walls..
Closed cell is 2.0 lb. or better. It takes less thickness of materials to achieve higher R- value. It is much denser and will not allow water to pass through. It wll add structural integrity to walls in vertical application and is advertised to help keep decking of roofs bonded to the trusses. All of this is available on line or simply a phone call to the insulator. Both are about removing air infitration to the building. Still can't address its use with brick.

I've heard of using foam in the gap between brick and sheathing then fiberglass between wall studs.  This sounds most cost effective to me but I haven't been able to locate good info about it.