Insulating Connecticut’s Historic Homes: What Works, What Fails, and Why

Insulating a historic home is not a matter of doing “more” — it is a matter of doing it right.In this episode, we trace the evolution of insulation in Connecticut homes over the last century, from eelgrass and sawdust to modern R-values and airtight construction. Along the way, we explain why older houses behave differently than new builds, and why applying modern insulation methods without understanding historic building physics can lead to moisture damage, rot, and costly failures.You’ll learn how early Connecticut homes were designed to “breathe,” why sealing them like a modern house can backfire, and how professionals balance energy efficiency with preservation. We break down the role of air sealing, blower door testing, and material selection — including where cellulose and mineral wool shine, and why spray foam can be risky in historic structures.This episode also lays out a practical retrofit playbook: how to diagnose an old house before insulating, the correct sequence of upgrades, and when wall insulation should — or should not — be part of the plan.Whether you own a historic home, work in preservation, or simply want to understand why old houses require a different approach, this episode explains what works, what fails, and why getting it wrong can do more harm than good.#HistoricHomes#HistoricHomeInsulation#OldHouseCare#OldHouseRenovation#PreservationMatters#BuildingScience#EnergyEfficiency#HomePerformance#InsulationEducation#AirSealing#CelluloseInsulation#MineralWool#MoistureMatters#ConnecticutHomes#NewEnglandHomes#HomeImprovementPodcast#ConstructionPodcast