In the more than 90 years since Standard got its start, we have insulated homes of all styles. Not only does our experience make us uniquely qualified to help homeowners, but we also took advantage of ample opportunities over the years to master the challenges of insulating Victorian houses.
These homes are known for their beauty, ornate details like decorative eaves, complex structures like wraparound porches, and colorful home exteriors.
However, despite their visual appeal, these homes can be drafty. As with many older homes, they are typically challenging to heat and cool — often due to inadequate insulation.
Challenges of Insulating Victorian Homes
Many Victorians were built between the mid-1800s to the early 1900s during a unique time in the construction industry. Home insulation in that era mainly consisted of discarded paper, shredded textiles, and organic products like hay and wood shavings — not exactly great insulation by today’s standards.
If your Victorian home hasn’t been completely stripped down to the timbers and remodeled, the chances are good that the walls are insulated at least in part with some of these old types of insulating materials.
That’s where Standard can help.
Replacing or adding attic insulation is only the beginning. Without proper attic insulation, a Victorian home will inevitably use more energy, and the interior will never be as comfortable as it could be. Done correctly, attic insulation can improve air leakage, energy efficiency, and temperature stability.
It’s also common to have little to no wall insulation in a Victorian house, which can interfere with heating and cooling. An effective HVAC system can only do so much to eliminate cold, drafty spots and overly hot rooms. Proper, professionally installed insulation is a must.
Basements and crawlspaces are other essential areas. Insulation in these drafty spaces helps minimize heat transfer, moisture problems, and even pest issues.
Standard’s Insulation Services for Victorian Homes
Many modern homes incorporate Victorian flair, allowing those intimidated by the maintenance required for historic homes to enjoy the same charm. Whether it’s new construction or remodeling and upgrading an existing Victorian, Standard can assess the home’s needs and provide expert solutions.
For example, as a new Victorian-style home is built, we can help you determine the optimal insulation for new construction.
Our first recommendation is often spray foam, which is fast and easy to install as a home is constructed. Spray foam also expands to fills cracks and crevices, improving the home’s air-tightness, while its high R-value helps minimize energy bills.
Another alternative that is particularly well-suited to attics and hard-to-reach places is blown-in insulation. This cellulose-based insulating product works efficiently for new construction and existing homes. It helps muffle indoor and outdoor noises, enhances an HVAC system’s efficiency, and is a Class-1 fire retardant. Blown-in insulation is also particularly effective for upgrading older homes in a minimally invasive manner.
For insulation with a customized fit and energy efficiency, spray foam insulation is an excellent choice. Whether it’s wall insulation for your Victorian house, crawlspace insulation, or attic insulation, this hard-working product offers water resistance and mold prevention.
Contact Standard to Insulate Your New or Existing Victorian Home
There’s a certain romance surrounding Victorian homes. To truly fall in love for life, you need proper insulation to enhance comfort and efficiency. That’s where Standard can help — we’re here to help you save money and live more comfortably.
Get in touch to arrange a free consultation or call us toll-free today at 800-738-1424 to learn more.