One of the many charming aspects of living in Northeast Pennsylvania is seeing the older and historic homes that litter the area. From colonial homes that line Waverly to Victorian homes in Green Ridge, Tudors to Mid Century Moderns and Cape Codes, NEPA is home to an eclectic mix of beautiful homes and architecture for the eye to marvel at.
Unfortunately, most older homes built before 1960 and 1970 in Pennsylvania often suffer from little to no insulation, making the winter months especially brutal.
While insulating an older home is certainly possible, additional challenges may occur due to the home’s structure. For example, older Victorians often suffer from poor subfloor ventilation, making it more susceptible to moisture buildup, especially with added insulation.
We’ll discuss these challenges and more so you can draft an attack plan to insulate an older home in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Why Insulating an Old House Is Important
While many people cherish older homes for their “character,” one unfortunate character flaw of these homes is poor temperature regulation.
Simply put, older homes were built before modern heating technology, including insulation, making them reliant on coal furnaces or fireplaces to keep them warm.
Because of this, older homes tend to lose heat more quickly in the winter and absorb more heat during summer, leading to higher energy bills and inconsistent indoor temperatures.
Insulating an older house can reverse these effects and provide your home with:
- Improved indoor comfort by maintaining a stable temperature.
- Reduced heating and cooling costs, potentially saving you up to 20% on energy bills.
- Fewer drafts and cold spots.
- A lower carbon footprint.
Modern insulation standards can be a huge selling point for homeowners looking to buy or sell an older home.
Signs You Need New Insulation
Now, not all older homes are entirely without insulation. But very often, this insulation may be older, poor in quality, or even insufficient for your comfort needs.
Here are some signs you could benefit from new and improved insulation:
- Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures – Noticeable temperature differences between rooms or floors could mean insulation isn’t doing its job effectively.
- High Energy Bills – If heating and cooling costs keep climbing, it may indicate that insulation has lost its efficiency.
- Drafts in Certain Areas – Feeling drafts around windows, doors, or even within certain rooms suggest insulation gaps.
- Cold Walls, Floors, or Ceilings – Touching cold walls or floors in the winter often means insulation needs upgrading.
- Increased Allergies or Dust – Poor insulation can allow outdoor allergens and dust to enter, leading to more frequent cleaning and allergy issues.
- Visible Mold or Moisture Buildup – Moisture spots on walls or ceilings may signal insulation problems, as good insulation helps regulate humidity.
Common Challenges in Insulating an Old House
Insulating an older home can be a smart financial investment, but additional challenges are present. Some of these include:
- Moisture and Ventilation Issues: Old houses often lack proper ventilation, leading to moisture build-up if insulation isn’t installed correctly. Adding a vapor barrier and ensuring adequate airflow can help avoid problems.
- Structural Concerns: Walls and floors may not even be accessible, making installation challenging and requiring professional assistance.
- Preservation of Historic Elements: In some cases, insulation may need to be installed in a way that doesn’t alter the home’s original features. Consulting an insulation expert can help maintain the house’s historical integrity.
For these reasons, we highly recommend contacting a professional insulation contractor to ensure that you avoid these issues and don’t harm your home.
Types of Insulation Materials for Old Houses
The long-term savings and comfort of your new insulation will depend greatly on the type of insulation you install and how much.
For more information, read our guides on how much insulation to install and how R-value factors into cost and performance.
With that said, the most common types of insulation include:
- Spray Foam Insulation: This insulation type offers a high R-value, excellent air sealing, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for filling small crevices and sealing drafty areas like attics and crawl spaces. Although spray foam provides superior insulation, it can be more expensive than other options and challenging to remove if you need alterations in the future.
- Blown-In Cellulose: Made from recycled materials, blown-in cellulose is an eco-friendly option that effectively insulates walls without requiring drywall removal. It’s a great choice for minimizing disruptions in your home’s structure. However, it can settle over time, which may reduce its effectiveness, and it tends to retain moisture if exposed to water.
- Fiberglass Batts: Known for being affordable and readily available, fiberglass batts work well in standard framing spaces like attics and unfinished walls. However, they need precise installation to avoid gaps that can reduce their efficiency, and they tend to lose effectiveness in humid conditions.
- Rigid Foam Boards: With high insulating power and moisture resistance, rigid foam boards are a solid choice for areas like basements, rim joists, and crawl spaces. They provide a strong barrier against moisture, though they can be challenging to install in tighter spaces due to their inflexibility.
Steps for Insulating an Old House
When insulating an old house, it’s essential to approach the project with care to avoid damaging historical features and causing structural issues.
Step 1: Inspect and Assess
Work with an insulation contractor to assess your current insulation needs and look for areas where new insulation can make the most difference, such as the attic, walls, and crawl spaces. Assess any structural vulnerabilities, like moisture issues or signs of mold, as these need to be addressed before insulation is added.
Step 2: Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks are common in older homes, especially in attics and exterior walls. While some air leaks can be addressed with caulk and weatherstripping, leaks in your attic roof or in other areas may need to be addressed with professional air sealing services.
Step 3: Choose the Right Insulation Material
Select insulation based on the needs of each area, budget, and compatibility with the house’s structure. In many cases, your choices may be confined to spray foam or blown-in insulation as it may be difficult to access some areas with standing walls and structures.
Step 4: Start Insulating Your Highest Need Areas
While many people tend to start insulating interior walls and flooring for greater comfort, the most sizable difference will be made starting in your attic. Since heat rises, insulating your attic will trap more warm air during the winter and allow your HVAC system to work less hard to heat your home.
Next is your basement or crawl space, where a massive portion of heat tends to escape. Depending on how easy it is to access basement walls, this can be done DIY using fiberglass batts or rigid foam board, though professional spray foam will make the most difference. From here, you can move onto your exterior walls, floors, and interior walls.
Step 5: Find the Right Contractor
Finding the right insulation contractor that will work within your budget is essential for ensuring that projects are completed correctly without risking damage to your home. While some people might choose to DIY a project, there are several issues that arise, especially when it comes to ventilation or even keeping insulation out of touch with electrical fixtures.
For high-quality insulation installation in Northeast Pennsylvania, trust the experts at EnergySmart. Contact us today for a free quote to see how we can improve your energy efficiency and home comfort.
FAQs
What is the best insulation for an old house?
The best insulation depends on the area and the home’s structure. Blown-in cellulose and spray foam are popular for walls, while fiberglass batts are common for attics and crawl spaces.
Will insulation make a noticeable difference in my energy bills?
Absolutely! Proper insulation can save you up to 20% on energy bills by reducing heating and cooling needs.
Do I need a permit to insulate my old house?
In some areas, you may need a permit, especially if the house is considered a historic property. Check with your local building authority before starting.
