In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.
Old house roof insulation.
Replace old windows with energy efficient units.
For most of the us the doe s standard is r 38.
Fiberglass batts the insulation found in most houses in the u s are inexpensive and quick to install.
The bigger they are the thicker the insulation you can fit.
The insulation must meet doe standards.
Attach 1 inch foam board insulation.
You have many choices for your insulation batting.
Increase your r value by layering insulation.
Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn t mean that it s everywhere in the house.
Your area may have a different standard so be sure to check first.
Strictly speaking there s no practical upper limit for attic insulation depth.
Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house.
Cold areas require a higher r value like an r 49.
The insulation materials used in older houses are not as effective in keeping heat in as the new ones.
Here are just a few of the highlights.
Wood can wet without issue but keep it wet and then the problems arise.
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.
Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps.
Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.
The format of house insulation you need depends on where you put it and if you need to control moisture.
This old house general contractor tom silva shows how he installs roofing and siding to keep a house buttoned up and dry.
Even if you bought the house with insulation already installed into it it s best to double check.
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.
Measure the size of the roof rafters.
Cutting batts of fiberglass insulation a neat trick for making tidy cuts.
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.
Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.
One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home s exterior.
Layer more insulation over the old for more effectiveness.
Install siding over the insulation.
You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.
You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is.
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.
Are they 2 6 2 8 or bigger.
Apply a house wrap vapor barrier to exterior walls.
Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.
