Attic Insulation In Old Houses

They breathe through air leaks and houses built before the 1960s were usually not well insulated.

Attic insulation in old houses.

Thickness must not be used as the sole factor in determining the r value of loose fill insulation particularly for attic insulation. Sometimes wood products such as sawdust or balsa wood were used at insulation in old homes but these are very ineffective. Even if you bought the house with insulation already installed into it it s best to double check. The insulation must meet doe standards.

Unlike today s airtight homes many old houses have a natural ventilation system. If you re shivering in an old house you may be tempted to hire someone to blow insulation in. 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.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. 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. If you live in an older house you ll have to inspect the insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

If you live in a newer house you can probably get this information from the builder.