Living in a vintage home means there is a chance that the insulation hasn’t been updated in years. This leads to inconveniences because when insulation is ineffective, thermal performance is reduced, resulting in increased strain on your equipment and higher energy bills. It may even cause moisture issues that lead to mold, stains, or structural damage. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient insulation can help solve these problems, but with so many materials and methods available, choosing the right solution can be overwhelming.
In this blog, we will discuss the common problems caused by outdated insulation in homes and provide a comprehensive look at the most effective insulation solutions available today.
Insulation Issues You Didn’t Know Your Vintage Home Had
No Insulation at All
Many houses built before the 1950s have little or no insulation in the walls or attic, simply because building codes didn’t require it. Without it, there’s little to prevent warm air from escaping during the winter and hot air from entering during the summer. That means huge temperature swings.
Worn-Out Materials
When insulation was used, it typically came in the form of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. These materials in older homes weren’t as reliable or durable as modern versions. Over time, these older materials can deteriorate, settle, sag, or lose shape, making them less effective at keeping warmth in or out. Insulation that has been in an attic for decades can also accumulate dust and become contaminated from rodent issues.
Moisture and Mold Trouble
Older insulation lacks modern moisture resistance. It can absorbs or trap moisture from leaks, condensation, or high humidity. This can create a damp environment inside walls, ceilings, or attics, which is ideal for mold growth.
Air Leaks
Air leaks, resulting from a lack of proper air sealing, allow outside air to enter and conditioned air to escape. This leads to uneven room temperatures and allows outside dust and pollen to enter your home. Lack of proper sealing also provides entry points for insects and rodents, potentially leading to infestations.
Overworked HVAC Systems
Temperature fluctuation due to air leaks puts extra strain on HVAC systems to maintain a constant indoor climate. This shortens their lifespan and increases the energy bills.
Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging occurs when heat flows through materials that are more conductive, such as wood framing, metal fasteners, or masonry. In older homes, insulation was often installed between wall studs or ceiling joists without addressing the structural integrity of these elements. As a result, heat bypasses the insulation through these conductive paths, significantly reducing overall thermal efficiency.
The Best Insulation Upgrades for Older Homes
The key to insulating a vintage home is to work with, rather than against, the existing structure. The best materials improve comfort and efficiency without disturbing the home’s original character. Here are the top energy-efficient insulations for older homes to consider:
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation is made up of 2 chemicals- Isocyanate and Polyol resin. This insulation quickly expands and hardens, creating a barrier that blocks air and heat from passing through walls, ceilings, or floors. Open cell spray foam is a good candidate for attics in older homes where the framing may shift or settle over time. Closed cell spray foam also helps control moisture, making it great for crawl spaces, rim joists, or other areas where moisture may be an issue.
- Best for: Tight or oddly shaped areas
- Cost: $1.50–$3 per sq. ft.
- R-Value: ~R-3.5 to R-4 per inch for open cell and ~R-7.0 per inch for closed cell
Blown-In Cellulose
Blown-in cellulose is primarily made from recycled paper products, usually newsprint. It can be installed without removing plaster or drywall and easily conforms to irregular spaces. It is eco-friendly and fire-resistant.
- Best for: Enclosed walls, attics, hard-to-reach places
- Cost: $1–$1.50 per sq. ft.
- R- Value – R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch
Rigid Foam Board (Polyiso, XPS, EPS)
Rigid foam board insulation is made from various types of plastic foam materials, such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), and Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), which provide a lot of insulation in a slim package. They don’t absorb water, so they’re perfect for basements or other damp areas. Plus, they’re resistant to pests and mold.
- Best for: Basements, exterior walls, roof decks, and crawl space walls
- Cost: $1.20–$2 per sq. ft.
- R-Value: R-5 to R-6.5 per inch
Mineral Wool (Rock Wool) Batts
Rock Wool is composed of recycled material such as Basalt rock and Blast furnace slag. Mineral wool is naturally fire-resistant, sound deadening, and holds its insulation value even when wet. It’s a great choice for pest-prone homes and fits easily between studs in standard framing.
- Best for: Remodels, walls, and floors
- Cost: $1.50–$2 per sq. ft.
- R-Value: R-4.0 to R-4.3 per inch
Conclusion
These considerations can help you choose the most suitable insulation for your vintage home. If you are still confused, you can contact May Energy Solutions, your top foam insulation contractors, to schedule your free consultation and receive an insulation plan customised exactly to your house’s needs.