Are mortar lathe walls a good source of insulation?

Question:I have an older house with mortar lathe walls. I was thinking of replacing with drywall and insulation but this will loose character. Should I sacrifice the character? Is it that much more cost effective to have insulation and drywall compared to the older walls?

Answers:
My answer to this is yes, it would be more efficient, in the long run, to replace the lathe with insulation and then drywayll. I agree you will lose the 'character' of the old plaster but when that plaster starts to come apart (if it does), it's a heck of a job to replace it. Combining attic insulation with wall insulation and new drywall should help keep the house warmer in the winter and lower your energy cost. There may be some who have a different opinion.