The Best Insulation Options for Older Homes in the South

Southern homes have charm—wraparound porches, tall ceilings, and timeless architecture—but when it comes to insulation, many older homes fall short of today’s energy standards. If your home was built before modern insulation codes or if it hasn’t been updated in decades, you could be losing money, comfort, and efficiency every single day.

At Koala Insulation of the Space Coast, we specialize in upgrading insulation for older homes across Florida and the Southern U.S. Our team helps homeowners protect their investment, reduce energy waste, and enhance indoor comfort—even in the most extreme Southern climates.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best insulation options for older homes in the South and how each solution tackles issues like heat, humidity, and outdated construction materials.

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Why Older Southern Homes Need Insulation Upgrades

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it lacks sufficient insulation—or worse, uses outdated or ineffective materials. These issues are common in the South, where original construction often focused more on ventilation than insulation.

Some telltale signs your home needs new insulation:

• High energy bills
• Drafty rooms or temperature swings
• Hot second floors or cold spots
• Condensation or moisture issues
• Dust buildup or poor air quality

In Florida, where Koala Insulation of the Space Coast operates, homes must withstand extreme heat, humidity, and hurricane-season moisture. Insulation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protection.

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1. Spray Foam Insulation: A Top Choice for Older Homes

Spray foam is one of the best upgrades you can make to an older home in the South. This high-performance insulation expands into every nook and cranny, sealing air leaks and providing superior thermal resistance.

✅ Benefits:

• Air sealing: Eliminates drafts common in older walls and attics.
• Moisture resistance: Closed-cell spray foam resists mold and water damage.
• Energy savings: High R-value keeps cooling costs low during hot Florida summers.

Spray foam is ideal for attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities where traditional materials can’t reach. At Koala Insulation of the Space Coast, our team is trained to retrofit spray foam in older structures with minimal disruption.

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2. Blown-In Fiberglass: Budget-Friendly and Efficient

Blown-in fiberglass is another excellent solution for insulating older homes, especially in unfinished attics or wall cavities that need a boost in R-value.

✅ Benefits:

• Non-combustible: A safe, fire-resistant material for homes with older wiring.
• Moisture-tolerant: Doesn’t absorb water like cellulose, reducing mold risks.
• Cost-effective: Great for large areas and easy to install in retrofits.

Blown-in fiberglass can be used alone or paired with other insulation types for added performance. Koala Insulation of the Space Coast can blow fiberglass insulation over existing materials to enhance your home’s efficiency without removing everything.

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3. Radiant Barrier Insulation: Beat the Southern Sun

In Florida and the Deep South, radiant heat from the sun is a major factor in indoor overheating. Radiant barrier insulation reflects this heat away from your home—especially useful in attics where temperatures can soar above 130°F.

✅ Benefits:

• Reflects up to 97% of radiant heat
• Reduces attic temperature by 20–30 degrees
• Works well with fiberglass or spray foam insulation

At Koala Insulation of the Space Coast, we often combine radiant barriers with blown-in or spray foam insulation for homes that need better thermal control in the attic.

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4. Rigid Foam Board: Ideal for Foundations and Exterior Walls

Older homes often have uninsulated foundations or crawl spaces. Rigid foam board insulation is a durable, moisture-resistant solution perfect for these areas.

✅ Benefits:

• High R-value per inch
• Moisture and pest resistant
• Adds structural stability to older walls

It’s also great for retrofitting behind siding or in basement walls. Koala Insulation of the Space Coast uses foam board strategically to reinforce thermal performance in high-risk areas.

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5. Air Sealing and Weatherization: A Must for Older Homes

Insulation alone won’t solve the problem if air leaks are left unaddressed. That’s why air sealing is a critical first step when insulating an older home.

Common leak points include:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Chimney and attic bypasses
• Electrical outlets and wall penetrations

Our team at Koala Insulation of the Space Coast includes air sealing with many insulation projects to ensure that conditioned air stays in—and hot, humid air stays out.

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What Makes Older Homes Unique

Each older home is different. Materials, architecture, and accessibility all influence which insulation method is best. Some homes may contain:

• Knob-and-tube wiring (requiring extra care)
• Lathe-and-plaster walls
• Unvented attics
• Masonry construction without wall cavities

That’s why Koala Insulation of the Space Coast offers free insulation evaluations. We assess your home’s existing setup and make tailored recommendations that comply with local codes and preserve the charm of your historic property.

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Why Choose Koala Insulation of the Space Coast?

We’re proud to be your local experts for insulation services along the Florida coast. With years of experience working in homes just like yours, we know how to navigate the quirks of older Southern architecture while delivering modern insulation performance.

When you choose Koala Insulation of the Space Coast, you get:

• ✅ Professional, licensed insulation installers
• ✅ Honest recommendations based on your home’s structure
• ✅ Energy-efficient, moisture-resistant products
• ✅ Clean, fast installation with minimal disruption
• ✅ Competitive pricing and free estimates

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Call Today for a Free Estimate

Insulating an older home can be one of the best investments you make for comfort, efficiency, and long-term protection. Don’t let outdated materials or Southern heat compromise your living space.

Call Koala Insulation of the Space Coast at (321) 384-6839 or visit our website to schedule your free estimate today. Our team is ready to help you upgrade your home’s insulation without sacrificing its charm or integrity.