Many times it is found that there is little or no insulation behind the walls of old houses. This can come as a surprise to most buyers because they just don't know. Usually, around my territory of Long Island, I have found houses that I thought would be insulated are not, and houses that normally wouldn't be insulated are insulated.

Many of the old plaster and wood lath homes are without insulation within the walls, but back when they were built, the cost of heating a home was not much of your budget. These hollow walls can have blown-in insulation added. It is unusual to find a home that is made with standard drywall without insulation, but sometimes you find the walls are hollow.

This was the case in Elmont, Long Island two days ago. The buyer was getting a tremendous deal on a foreclosure. The cost to insulate will be saved many times over once he buys the house and repairs what is needed. - Ray

 
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4 Comments on Is that house from the 1940's insulated?

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26

Ray, what's your best guess on these homes:  Are the walls so leaky with heat that there's no real difference with a window upgrade (assuming the windows are your double-hung, single pane variety with storms)?

 

Just curious-

 

matt

7:41pm • #1
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Hi Matt. Usually, in my area, houses with plaster and lath walls had steam heat with those big clunky radiators which cranked out the BTU's. New windows will not make a big difference if the walls are uninsulated, in my opinion. Thanks Matt!

7:46pm • #2

You just never know what you will be getting into on  a house that old. The  insulation could be vermiculite. you never know. At least house of that time were built with nice solid wood.

Liz

7:56pm • #3
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When buying an old, old home I think I'd be surprised if you did find any insulation in the walls.  Some folks may remember when heat was by a fireplace....I do but try to forget it.

9:19pm • #4

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Ray Wilson - NYS Licensed Inspector

Middle Island, NY

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Meticulous Home Inspection Corporation

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