Older block ranch homes are all over Bradenton, Sarasota and the rest of Manatee County. They’re solid, they’re easy to live in, and many of them have been standing for decades. But their attics usually weren’t built with today’s heat-blocking standards in mind, and the insulation that’s up there has had a long time to wear out.
What we usually find
- Only a few inches of insulation, sometimes less
- Old batts that are flattened, dusty or falling apart
- Bare spots around the hatch, the AC unit and the edges
- Gaps around old light boxes, pipes and wires that let attic air into the house
- Low roof pitch that makes the attic tight to work in
Why low, tight attics matter
Many older ranch homes have a low-pitch roof, so the attic is only a few feet tall at the edges. That makes it hard to spread insulation evenly by hand, and it’s why the edges are so often bare. Blown-in insulation is a good fit here because the hose can reach the corners and low spots without someone crawling across every inch.
Air sealing comes first
Older homes tend to have more holes in the attic floor: around light boxes, plumbing vents, wires and the tops of interior walls. Hot, humid attic air sneaks through those gaps and into your living space. Sealing the bigger gaps before new insulation goes in helps the insulation work better. Our post on air sealing your attic explains how it works.
Top-off or start fresh?
If the old insulation is dry and clean, we can usually blow new insulation right on top. If it’s wet, moldy, full of rodent mess or crumbling, it should come out first. In very old homes, if we see loose-fill that could be vermiculite, we stop and recommend testing before any work. See our post on old insulation hazards.
How much to add
For our climate zone, ENERGY STAR suggests R-49 for an attic with no insulation, or adding about R-38 if you already have 3 to 4 inches. Our post on what R-value a Florida attic needs has the details.
Common questions
Is it worth insulating an old house? Usually, yes. Older homes tend to have the least insulation, so they often see the biggest change in comfort.
Will you damage my old ceilings? We work from the joists and walking boards, never the drywall between them, and we take extra care in older homes.
How long does it take? Most single-story ranch homes are done in one day.
Get your older home checked
REINSULATE is a veteran-owned, fully insured insulation company serving Bradenton, Sarasota and the rest of Manatee County. Request your free estimate or call or text 941-705-0305.
