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Old House Insulation Tips

Apr 4, 2013

Many older homes retain a rustic charm, a unique design, or handcrafted woodwork that makes them a desirable place to live in. Unfortunately, living in an older home may also mean spending more on heating and cooling costs than is necessary. While many of these dwellings are very attractive from a style perspective, one area where they tend to be weak in is home insulation.

There’s no denying the importance of craftsmanship, and of course the overall attractiveness of a house is very important; after all, who buys a house that they don’t find appealing? However, if a home isn’t properly insulated – and unfortunately many older ones suffer from poor home insulation – the result is higher energy costs and an uncomfortable home.

When comes to older homes, there are several areas that can benefit from added or improved insulation.

Insulation Tips

Attics: Many older homes lack proper insulation in the attic. This is easily fixed using batt and roll or blown-in insulation.

Basements: Exterior basement walls and floor can benefit from the addition of home insulation. This includes sealing any cracks or openings in the foundation with foam insulation. This also applies to crawl spaces.

Exterior walls: If you are planning a home renovation, this is an excellent time to take a look at what type of insulation is behind the plaster or drywall on exterior walls. You can easily insulate these areas properly with either batt and roll or blown-in home insulation.

Other Tips

Windows: Sealing the area around windows with weather stripping or caulking is the first step to stopping unwanted airflow. Consider replacing windows that are old or outdated.

Doors: As with windows, make sure all exterior doors are properly sealed. Many older homes have doorframes that have warped or shifted over time. Consider a new, tightly sealed door and frame replacement.

Ducts and vents:  A lot of warm air can be lost through old or improperly sealed vent and ductwork. Sealing the ductwork prevents air from being lost and needlessly replaced by your heating system.

While we have focused on much older homes, the same principles apply to homes constructed right up until the 1970’s as well. Many homes that are in the 30 year-old range can benefit from new or updated insulation.

Contact a certified RESNET insulation expert who can offer advice on how proper home insulation will reduce your energy consumption and make your older home a more comfortable place to live in.