How Spray Foam Insulation Enhances Comfort Efficiency and Energy Savings in Older Homes

Older homes have a unique charm, but they often come with challenges that affect comfort and energy costs. Many of these houses were built before modern insulation standards existed, leading to drafts, uneven temperatures, and high utility bills. Spray foam insulation offers a practical solution to these problems, improving comfort, boosting energy efficiency, and reducing expenses. This post explores how spray foam insulation can transform older homes and why it’s a smart investment for homeowners.

Spray foam insulation applied to attic walls in an older home

Why Older Homes Struggle with Insulation

Many older homes were built with materials and techniques that do not meet today’s energy standards. Common issues include:

• Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and walls that let air escape

• Thin or missing insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces

• Poor sealing around plumbing and electrical penetrations

• Settling or damage to existing insulation over time

  
  

These problems cause heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Homeowners often respond by running heating and cooling systems longer, which drives up energy bills.

How Spray Foam Insulation Works

Spray foam insulation is a liquid that expands into a foam when applied. It fills gaps and hard-to-reach spaces, creating an airtight seal. There are two main types:

• Open-cell spray foam: Softer and more flexible, good for interior walls and soundproofing.

• Closed-cell spray foam: Denser and more rigid, offers higher insulation value and moisture resistance.

  
  

Both types improve the thermal barrier of a home, but closed-cell foam is often preferred for older homes because it also strengthens the structure and blocks moisture.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation in Older Homes

Improved Comfort

Spray foam seals cracks and gaps that let drafts in, so rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This results in:

• More consistent indoor temperatures

• Reduced cold spots near windows and doors

• Less noise from outside due to soundproofing qualities

  
  

Homeowners often notice a significant difference in comfort after installation, with fewer complaints about chilly rooms or overheated spaces.

Increased Energy Efficiency

By creating a tight seal, spray foam reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems. This leads to:

• Lower energy consumption

• Reduced utility bills

• Less wear and tear on HVAC equipment

  
  

Studies show that spray foam insulation can cut energy use by up to 30% compared to traditional insulation methods. For older homes with poor sealing, the savings can be even greater.

Spray foam insulation sealing gaps around window frames in an older house

Long-Term Durability and Protection

Spray foam does not sag or settle like fiberglass insulation, maintaining its effectiveness for decades. It also acts as a barrier against:

• Moisture intrusion, which can cause mold and wood rot

• Pest entry through small cracks

• Airborne allergens and dust infiltration

  
  

This protection helps preserve the home’s structure and indoor air quality, contributing to healthier living conditions.

Practical Considerations for Older Homeowners

Assessing Your Home’s Needs

Before installing spray foam, it’s important to evaluate the home’s current insulation and air sealing. A professional insulation evaluation can identify:

• Areas with the most heat loss

• Moisture problems that need addressing

• Structural concerns that might affect installation

  
  

Choosing the Right Type of Spray Foam

Closed-cell foam is often an excellent choice for older homes because of its higher R-value (insulation rating), added structural strength, and strong resistance to moisture. It is commonly used in basements, crawl spaces, rim joists, and exterior walls where maximum insulation performance is needed.

Open-cell foam is also a highly effective option for many applications in older homes. It provides excellent air sealing, helps reduce energy loss, and is especially well-suited for attics, rooflines, and interior wall cavities. Open-cell foam expands more during installation, allowing it to fill hard-to-reach areas and irregular framing more easily. In addition, it offers sound-dampening benefits and is often a more cost-effective solution for large areas.

The best choice between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam depends on the specific needs of the home, the location being insulated, and the homeowner’s goals for comfort, efficiency, and budget.

Installation Process

Spray foam installation requires specialized equipment and trained technicians to ensure proper application and long-term performance. The process typically involves:

• Preparing the area and removing old insulation if necessary

• Protecting and sealing electrical outlets, vents, and nearby surfaces

• Applying the foam in controlled layers to walls, attics, or crawl spaces

• Allowing the foam to cure and trimming excess material for a clean finish

  
  

In most cases, the installation process takes one to several days, depending on the size of the home, the scope of work, and the areas being insulated.

Real-Life Example: A Historic Home Upgrade

A 1920s home in New England had drafty rooms and high heating bills. After installing closed-cell spray foam in the attic and walls, the homeowners reported:

• A 35% reduction in energy costs within the first year

• Noticeably warmer rooms during winter months

• Less noise from outside and street traffic

  
  

  The investment paid off in comfort and long-term savings, while also helping protect the home’s original wood framing from moisture damage.

New spray foam insulation in attic space of an older home

Final Thoughts on Spray Foam Insulation for Older Homes

Spray foam insulation offers a powerful way to improve older homes by sealing air leaks, boosting energy efficiency, and enhancing comfort. It protects the home’s structure and can significantly reduce energy bills over time. Homeowners should consider a professional insulation assessment to determine the best approach and type of foam for their specific needs.

At Ortiz Spray Foam Insulation, we specialize in upgrading older homes throughout Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In many cases, we can provide an initial estimate online with basic information.

Contact us today to request your free insulation estimate and learn how spray foam can improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.