Old Home Rejuvenation with Insulation

Vintage homes have a classic charm and unique appeal that is hard to find in a new build. What’s not part of that charm, however, are the typically expensive energy bills that come along with the house. 

Homes built in the early to mid-1900s are generally poorly insulated by today’s standards. This means being overly warm in the summer and extra cold in the winter – not great for residents nor their energy bills. Even homes built in the decades after that have less insulation than is now recommended as building codes have changed throughout the years.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. There are things that can help you improve an older home’s insulation so that it retains its charming appeal but is also comfortable and energy efficient. Consider these as a great place to start.

Home energy audit

A certified auditor will use a variety of tools to detect air leaks and insulation gaps. Some local utility companies will provide a subsidy for this work, and some costs qualify for federal tax credits. In any case, the cost of an audit will pay for itself after making insulation upgrades in the form of lower energy bills.

One of the tools often used is an infrared camera. These allow you to see areas of energy loss from the outside of a building, pinpointing the exact spots where heat is escaping and where remedies are needed. 

An energy auditor will check the attic, walls and floors, as well as basements and crawlspaces to see what kind of insulation is installed, plus its depth or thickness. Once current R-values are determined, you can consult an Energy Star map to determine the climate zone for the home and the recommended R-values for that zone, calculating how much additional insulation is needed. JM’s Insulation Calculator is a great tool to determine R-values and necessary amounts for a project.

Attic insulation

Maximizing attic insulation is often one of the simplest and least expensive energy upgrades that can be made in a home. The average home needs up to 19 inches of fiberglass insulation in an attic for maximum energy efficiency, so it’s likely that an older home’s attic is in desperate need of a top-off.

Blown-in insulation is a great option because it can be added on top of existing blow-in or fiberglass batts. For DIYers, Johns Manville Attic Protector® can be installed with a rented portable blowing wool machine. If you’d rather a pro do the work, Climate Pro® is engineered for professional use with high-volume blowing machines and is ideal for attics. 

Check out our previous blog about attic insulation for more details.

Crawlspaces and unfinished basements

Crawlspaces and unfinished basements are the other simplest places to install insulation. Proper insulation in a crawl space helps to protect the living space of a home from outside temperatures changes, reducing cold or hot air moving in through the bottom of a house. The way a crawlspace should be insulated depends on whether it is vented or unvented. 

An unfinished basement can contribute significantly to a home’s overall heat loss. It can also lead to moisture problems or mold, which can cause a whole other host of issues in an older home. Installing precut fiberglass bats in standard wall cavities is an easy solution.

For more information about insulating specific sections of a home, as well as other advice, FAQs, product info and other links, check out our Homeowner Insulation page.