It’s not always possible. For instance old wood double hung sash windows require a weight box to work. Those boxes can’t really be insulated. And there’s a good chance you don’t want to replace the old windows (or possibly can’t due to historic restrictions) because they are a massive part of the homes character.
Also insulating an old home (pre-WW2) could begin to introduce moisture issues in the walls that weren’t there the last 100+ years since the leakiness of the home would dry the structure. Last thing you want is for condensation and water vapor to build up in the insulation and then begin to rot the wood. Modern build have vapor barriers and airtight seals.
I guess my point is to be careful with old structures without considering things. They were built the way they were because those were the materials we had (old growth wood!) and they were designed to function a certain way.
> For instance old wood double hung sash windows require a weight box to work. Those boxes can’t really be insulated.
In Denmark, this was solved by adding a second, modern window on the inside. The outside kept the same look, and it is even more insulating than a single modern window. Is it a bit clunky to have to open two windows ? Sure. But it is better than not having insulated windows, or ruining the appearance of cities.
On the contrary modern houses often rot because of the water barrier. Condensation gets trapped in the wall and it rots really fast. If you insulate your old house from the inside you wont have this issue. I spent the last 3 years remodelling at 1875 house and we opened all the walls to spray urethane foam. It sealed all the cracks between the wood beams but still leaves the exterior untouched to moisture can leave.
Yeah any house build in the 70’s, 80’s, or early 90’s might had issues with moisture. Water vapor in particular.
Im not sure I’d spend the money (or desire the inconvenience) on a job like that on my old home. I’m not sure I’d make the money back in savings during my time here. But during a gutting, makes sense.
Also insulating an old home (pre-WW2) could begin to introduce moisture issues in the walls that weren’t there the last 100+ years since the leakiness of the home would dry the structure. Last thing you want is for condensation and water vapor to build up in the insulation and then begin to rot the wood. Modern build have vapor barriers and airtight seals.
I guess my point is to be careful with old structures without considering things. They were built the way they were because those were the materials we had (old growth wood!) and they were designed to function a certain way.