If your energy bills are always higher than expected, regardless of the time of year, or you have rooms that never seem to reach the desired temperature, it’s possible that the lack of insulation in your house could be contributing to these problems. Older homes often have a lot of character and charm, and many times they were built with good quality; however, insulation standards were not too high when they were constructed, and therefore there is a good chance that your house does not have enough insulation for current building codes. Many people who live in older homes are looking into using spray foam insulation in older homes as a way to improve the insulation value of their homes, so is it worth the cost? In a nutshell, yes, but there are some things that you should know before making this decision! So read on and get informed!
The Unique Struggles of Spray Foam Insulation in Older Homes
1. Old & Missing Insulation
A lot of homes built before 1980 were put up with almost no insulation, and attic insulation benefits that have reached the end of their life due to the number of decades in which the cellulose (blown in) has settled and been moved, and/or the fiberglass batts have gotten crushed together and lost their R-value. What counted 40 years ago as good insulation cannot compete with today’s costs to heat your home.
2. Air Leaks & Drafts
With the type of construction practices used back prior to the codes enforced now, many, many gaps exist around the pipes, electrical wiring, and floor joists, which allow a measurable amount of air to leak into the places that are being heated because they didn’t have enough insulation to begin with. These gaps create more air leakage than the insulation alone does, and create an uncomfortable draft near electrical outlets, cold floors, and rooms that do not heat up.
3. Difficult to Insulate Areas
Many older homes are built with non-standard frames, unexpected openings, and odd structures, along with using historic building materials – all barriers to installing traditional insulation. Because spray foams expand and mold to whatever shape they come into contact with, it is perfect for these challenging areas.
Why Use Spray Foam in Older Homes?
Benefits of Spray Foam
In the case of traditional insulations (fiberglass batts, blown cellulose), these types of materials never fill all the voids, gaps, or cracks where they have been installed. Spray foams do an all-inclusive job of being an air sealant. Older homes typically suffer from air infiltration; therefore, the installation of spray foam can significantly improve the comfort and efficiency of these older homes. Older house insulation is important.
Long-term energy savings can be gained from installing spray foam insulation in your home; many homeowners experience a reduction in heating and cooling costs of 30 – 50%. Although the initial cost of installing spray foam insulation is higher than that of other types of insulation, most homeowners can recoup their investment within five to ten years through lower monthly utility bills.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation provides additional protection against moisture and mold due to its unique chemical structure; it acts as a vapor barrier within your walls and foundations. This is particularly beneficial for older homes with damp basements, unvented crawl spaces, or ageing exterior walls, and therefore prevents the accumulation of moisture within these areas.
A little-known benefit is that Closed Cell Spray Foam adds structural support to your home’s framework by bonding to the studs and sheathing when it is applied to walls and roof decks; this creates a more solid structure over time by providing additional support to areas that have weakened in strength.
Negatives of Spray Foam
Spray foam has some drawbacks in older homes, such as high initial cost (2-3 times the cost of fiberglass) and the potential to trap moisture, resulting in damage due to moisture rot and mold, which can be costly to remediate. Therefore, completing a building envelope assessment before embarking upon an insulation project is essential.
In addition, any homes built prior to 1980 potentially have lead or asbestos-containing building materials that require professional remediation if disturbed during an insulatioprojectec,t and/or may also be subject to restrictions of historic preservation standards for the types of materials available for renovation.
Where Spray Foam Is Most Beneficial
Attics & Roof Lines, Crawlspaces, Rim Joists, Basement Walls, and Penetrations (Pipes/Wires) Are The Best Return On Investment For Older Homes! Heat Loss and Air Leakage Can Occur from A Greater Amount of Space. A targeted option to target these areas with spray foam will provide huge results, even if you aren’t in a budget for a full re-insulation project.
Reasons for Hiring a Professional
Spray foam insulation is not an admirable choice for transitory DIY home projects, especially in an older home. There are good reasons why it is essential to hire a professional for this service.
A reputable and seasoned contractor knows how aged materials react with today’s spray foam materials. They will know how to read vapor flow in your home and will help in the recommendation to use closed-cell or open-cell spray foam, depending on their inspection of your property. Regardless of how badly you end up damaging the insulation job the contractor did, you will have eliminated the chance of doing further damage.
Another major consideration is safety. Your home would have to have proper ventilation for the installation of spray foam, and there would also be a need to wear proper protective equipment while installing spray foam. The contractor that installs spray foam has the necessary equipment and the experience needed to safely do this type of work, as well as to complete the job in accordance with local codes, which is an important factor when it comes time to sell your home.
Conclusion
Older houses can benefit from spray foam insulation, provided it’s installed properly, at the appropriate places, and by an experienced installer. Its superior air sealing, ability to save energy, moisture-resistant properties, and structural reinforcement are all factors that contribute to making it such an effective insulation upgrade guide to an existing structure.
The most important point to remember is to take your time when considering adding this type of material to your home. First, schedule an energy audit with a qualified professional who understands the specific weaknesses of your house and has experience dealing with older homes. If done correctly, spray foam insulation could help you transform your house from an unproductive energy consumer to a comfortable, energy-efficient, and well-protected home for years.
FAQs
Can I install spray foam insulation over my existing insulation?
Generally speaking, yes, you can add either closed-cell or open-cell foam insulation on top of your existing insulation, unless the existing insulation has been damaged or has deteriorated to the point where it cannot provide a good base for new foam insulation.
Will spray foam cause moisture problems in my old walls?
It can if improperly applied. A professional assessment of your home’s vapor profile is essential before installation to avoid trapping moisture inside wall cavities.
How long does spray foam last?
Spray foam insulation typically lasts 80 years or more. Unlike fiberglass or cellulose, it won’t sag, settle, or break down over time.
Is spray foam safe for homes with children or pets?
Yes, once fully cured, typically within 24 hours of installation. During application, all occupants must vacate the home until it has been properly ventilated.
Does spray foam increase home resale value?
Generally yes. Improved home energy efficiency, reduced utility costs, and updated insulation are attractive features to buyers and can positively impact appraisal value.