Why Older Homes Were Built Without Insulation

If you're in love with the architectural detailing of older homes and don't mind the little things you'll have to upgrade, like plumbing, you might consider investing in one — either to flip later or as your forever home. However, while determining if the crown molding on the ceilings is gorgeous enough to deserve its own frame on "Bridgerton," don't forget an important tip for first-time home buyers: inspecting the house. This is because a lot of older homes were built using stones or wood and lacked insulation as we know today.

Wanting to understand more about the reason why houses were built without insulation, we reached out to Sarah Bilotta, House Digest's design historian. Elaborating on the reasons in her exclusive interview, she says, "The construction of homes, materials used, and building methods have changed drastically over time. Until about 100 years ago, electricity in homes was rare, energy costs were low, and especially in warmer areas of the country, insulation was simply not necessary." This doesn't mean that older properties lacked insulation altogether.

"Some early 20th century homes are insulated with horsehair to protect plumbing and wiring. Later, around the mid-20th century, asbestos became a popular material for insulation due to its flame retardant properties," Bilotta explains. "A lot of older homes in Europe are naturally insulated with their thick-walled construction." Besides, a house's rate of occupancy plays an important role, too. For instance, "vacation homes in places like Maine are often not insulated as they have historically been used only seasonally." So, how can you determine if the property you're interested in (or have already bought) lacks insulation? Let's find out.

Listing common signs in her House Digest exclusive, Bilotta mentions, "Drafty rooms and high heating bills are clear giveaways that a home is not insulated. It may also be partially insulated, but show the same symptoms." Another sign to look out for: distinct temperatures in different parts of the house. Simply put, if one room feels warm and another gives you the chills, the space might be under-insulated instead of possessed à la "The Haunting of Hill House." Of course, this depends on the caveat that the rooms are the same in every way that counts. If it's winter and you experience below freezing temperatures, a frozen pipe is also a good indication.

Since you need insulation in your home, you must check whether an older property is insulated or not. Emphasizing the importance of insulation, Bilotta says, "In an uninsulated home, heat will escape easily, rising through the ceiling and leaking into the outdoors. Thus, your heating system will have to work much harder to maintain an even temperature throughout the house." This will lead to higher energy bills. But insulation isn't just necessary during winters. An uninsulated or under-insulated space will allow the sun's unrelenting heat to make its way inside your home during summers. This will force your air conditioners to work overtime to maintain a comfortable environment.

It can be disheartening to find that your older home is not insulated. After all, no one wants to bear increased utility bills or remain uncomfortable in their safe haven. "To save on your heating costs in the long-term, the best thing to do is get the home insulated," Bilotta recommends in her House Digest exclusive. Although it's the best option, it can be an expensive one, especially if you're on a tight budget. Be prepared to shell out anywhere between $498 and $4,500, depending on a number of factors, including the material you choose, how big your property is, and the place you'll be installing it.

So, what can you do when you're not prepared to spend a hefty sum on insulating your older home? You could try out temporary solutions. For instance, if you want a cheap way to insulate your home against the cold, Bilotta has a suggestion. "Interim solutions include making sure windows and attic spaces are sealed off during the colder months," she says. There's an unconventional solution, too. "Some people, when investing in an uninsulated home in a colder area of the country, choose to use it only as a summer home, as this negates the necessity of insulation. Just remember to turn off your water and run the pipes dry before you leave for the winter, to prevent pipes from freezing," the expert concludes.