Old House Roof Insulation

Fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.

Old house roof insulation.

In most climates it needs a vapor barrier. Adding insulation where it was never designed to go mainly the walls of an old house causes a host of problems all due to the moisture issues it creates. For most of the us the doe s standard is r 38. Even if you bought the house with insulation already installed into it it s best to double check.

Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. Replace old windows with energy efficient units. Strictly speaking there s no practical upper limit for attic insulation depth. Measure the size of the roof rafters.

One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior. Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks. This old house general contractor tom silva shows how he installs roofing and siding to keep a house buttoned up and dry. Increase your r value by layering insulation.

Install siding over the insulation. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. The attic is often the easiest place to add insulation. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is.

Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house. Layer more insulation over the old for more effectiveness. The bigger they are the thicker the insulation you can fit. The insulation must meet doe standards.

Your area may have a different standard so be sure to check first. Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn t mean that it s everywhere in the house. Are they 2 6 2 8 or bigger. Maximize attic insulation this is simple and not particularly unique to older homes but it s also the easiest and least expensive energy upgrade you can do.

Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation. Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls. Attach 1 inch foam board insulation. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.

Cold areas require a higher r value like an r 49. You have many choices for your insulation batting. The insulation materials used in older houses are not as effective in keeping heat in as the new ones. Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation.

Wood can wet without issue but keep it wet and then the problems arise. Here are just a few of the highlights. If you have an unfinished and unconditioned attic like many old houses my first recommendation would be to add batt insulation on the underside of the roof. Old house insulation strategy 1.