An older house is going to have issues when it comes to energy efficiency, and that can affect how much you’ll spend on utilities each month. One solution is to install new insulation in vital areas throughout the home.  

This doesn’t mean you’ll have to tear out the walls or undertake a big renovation project. You can install new insulation without committing to a big construction project by choosing the right type of insulation. 

Look for Moisture and Leaks

Before you start looking for insulation installation near me, you should check your home for unwanted moisture and leaks. Check your attic for rotted wood and peeling paint, and look for stains on your home’s ceilings. If the attic is already insulated, check the insulation to see if it’s damp or looks black.

If you do notice these signs of water damage, an air sealing service can help you address these leaks. When water is coming through your attic’s ceiling, you might need more extensive roofing repairs before you can install new insulation.

Insulation Contractors Can Help You Determine How Much Protection You Need

The R-value determines how much energy the insulation will conserve. While the most commonly used insulation has R-values ranging up to 40, you can order insulation with better protection if you live in a more frigid climate.

Generally, people who live in the southern parts of the country can use insulation with a lower R-value. Homes in the north will require higher R-values. Your contractor can help you in choosing the right R-value for your home.

Choose the Right Type of Insulation

The most important part of installing insulation without damaging your home is choosing a product that’s easy to install. Batt and roll insulation works well in unfinished attics, but installing this type of insulation anywhere else will require tearing apart your home’s walls.

Loose Fill Insulation

The best insulation for filling the spaces between the house’s walls is loose fill. The installer can pour it into any area, and it will cover spaces that other forms of insulation can’t fill. Choose loose fill that uses borates as a fire retardant. 

The alternative is to use loose fill with sulfates, but these compounds combine with moisture to create sulfuric acid. Once the acid gets produced, it can destroy building materials commonly used in the construction of older homes.

Spray Insulation

Ask your insulation contractors about spray foam insulation for your exterior walls. In addition to improving your home’s energy efficiency, certain types of spray foam can act as a sound barrier. This type of insulation comes out as a soft foam and hardens once it’s released. This makes it easier to insulate tight spaces or areas that can be hard to reach. 

How Is Old Insulation Handled?

Even if you plan to insulate the walls in your old house with loose fill or spray foam, you might worry about removing the old insulation. It still won’t be necessary to tear your walls open. In an unfinished attic, your contractor can remove batt and roll or foam board insulation relatively easily.

When insulating the walls in your home, the old insulation can usually stay in place. Instead, the spray foam or loose fill is simply installed over the old insulation. This will save your contractor from having to damage your home’s walls.

Insulation Can Make Any Home More Energy Efficient

Regardless of the age, size, or type of house you own, you can follow these steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Taking these steps to install new or different insulation will help your home retain energy throughout the year. As a result, you’ll spend less on utilities and live more comfortably.