Insulating the old house-a handbook for the owner

Book · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:5899594

Nielsen, S E

The special considerations required in the insulation of old houses are reveiwed. The condition of the existing heating system is cited as the primary consideration in an analysis of the heating requirements of an old house, necessary repair or replacement is considered a priority. Identification of the areas of heat loss in the house is considered the next step in the thermal analysis, the primary areas are the attic/ceiling area, walls, basement/floor area, and direct window and infiltration losses. An analysis of heat losses after the installation of fiberglass insulation in the walls and ceiling and the addition of storm doors and windows in two types of houses with full basements indicated that the largest percentage of heat loss occurred through the windows and doors because no weatherstripping was installed. This area of heat loss and infiltration is identified as a problem especially peculiar to old houses which often have a large proportion of structural openings. Moisture condensation leading to dry rot in the house structure is a primary consideration when insulating an old house. Changing some habits is a primary consideration when insulating an old house. Changing some habits of the occupants within the house can reduce the addition of water vapor to the air. Standing puddles in the basement, cooking, house plants, humidifiers, and drying laundry and wood inside can contribute to interior moisture and should be reduced or modified. The installation of a vapor barrier when insulating the old house is considered a critical factor in reducing condensation problems, vapor barriers may be readily installed with the insulaton in attics, basements and crawl spaces but side walls may require alternate procedures to create vapor barriers such as the application of aluminum paints, glossy oil-based paints, or vinyl wallpaper to interior walls.

• OSTI ID: 5899594
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AIR INFILTRATION
BUILDINGS
CONTROL
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY LOSSES
HEAT LOSSES
HOUSES
HUMIDITY CONTROL
INSTALLATION
LOSSES
OPENINGS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RETROFITTING
THERMAL INSULATION
VAPOR CONDENSATION
WINDOWS