Attic Insulation In Old Houses

The answer to making an old house inhabitable is insulation.

Attic insulation in old houses.

Even if you bought the house with insulation already installed into it it s best to double check. Sometimes wood products such as sawdust or balsa wood were used at insulation in old homes but these are very ineffective. While it may be acceptable to leave some older insulation types in place replacing it with new insulation with a higher r value will result in energy savings. This old house general contractor tom silva shows affordable ways to create an energy efficient attic how to know what insulation is behind your walls if you live in an older home understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe.

The insulation materials used in older houses are not as effective in keeping heat in as the new ones. They breathe through air leaks and houses built before the 1960s were usually not well insulated. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation. If you re shivering in an old house you may be tempted to hire someone to blow insulation in. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. The insulation must meet doe standards.

Unlike today s airtight homes many old houses have a natural ventilation system.