Why Older Asheville Homes Often Lack Proper Insulation—And How to Fix It

If you live in an older home in Asheville, you probably already know the charm and character they bring. But with that charm often comes a hidden problem: poor insulation. Many homes built before modern energy codes lack sufficient floor, wall, and attic insulation. The result? Drafty winters, sweltering summers, and energy bills that are anything but charming.

Why Are Older Homes in Asheville Under-Insulated?

In the early 20th century, insulation wasn't a priority in home construction. Floor cavities might have nothing but air between you and the crawlspace. Wall cavities were often left empty. Attics might have a thin layer of old fiberglass or even sawdust insulation—far from today’s energy efficiency standards.

Asheville's mix of mountain weather, with its cold snaps and hot, humid summers, makes proper insulation a must—not just for comfort, but for protecting your home and wallet.

How to Improve Insulation in Older Homes

The good news? There are effective solutions that don’t require tearing your whole house apart:

1. Add Missing Batt Insulation

For accessible areas like open walls or attics, traditional fiberglass batt insulation is still a reliable and cost-effective choice. It’s especially useful in floors above crawlspaces and between attic joists.

2. Blown-In Wall Insulation

If you don’t want to remodel your interior walls but need insulation in those empty wall cavities, blown-in cellulose or fiberglass can be added through small holes at the top of each stud bay. These holes are patched and finished afterward, keeping the interior mostly intact while vastly improving thermal performance.

3. Continuous Rigid Foam During Exterior Remodels

Planning new siding? This is the perfect time to upgrade your insulation. By adding rigid foam board to the outside of your home before the new siding goes on, you can create a continuous thermal break that wraps your home in energy-saving protection. This approach eliminates thermal bridging and dramatically increases efficiency—especially when paired with modern siding and house wrap systems.

Ready to Make Your Asheville Home More Comfortable?

Whether you’re feeling the winter chill a little too sharply or just tired of high energy bills, updating your insulation is a smart investment. If you’re curious about the best approach for your home, we’d love to take a look and give you some straightforward options.

Let’s talk—your cozy, energy-efficient home starts with a conversation.

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