Kansas City is known for its charming historic neighborhoods — from Brookside to Waldo and Mission Hills — filled with beautiful older homes that have stood the test of time. But behind their classic architecture, many of these homes suffer from poor insulation, leading to high energy bills, uneven temperatures, and drafty rooms.
Older homes were often built before modern energy codes, meaning insulation may be thin, outdated, or missing altogether. The good news? You don’t need to compromise comfort or preservation. With the right insulation strategy, you can make your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and significantly more energy-efficient — without losing its historic character.
Let’s explore the best insulation options for older Kansas City homes and how Henges Insulation can help you upgrade your home’s performance.
Common Insulation Problems in Older Homes
Before deciding on the right insulation, it’s important to understand the typical issues found in Kansas City’s older homes:
- Little or no wall insulation – Many pre-1970 homes were built without wall insulation.
- Settled attic insulation – Over time, fiberglass or cellulose settles and loses its R-value.
- Drafty windows and air leaks – Air leaks around framing and attics reduce insulation efficiency.
- Moisture issues – Poor ventilation or old materials can trap moisture and cause mold or rot.
A professional energy audit and insulation inspection can pinpoint these problem areas and determine where upgrades will have the biggest impact.
The Best Insulation Options for Older Homes
Not all insulation types suit older structures. Some materials can be too invasive or heavy for existing walls and attics. Here are the best-performing and most compatible options for older Kansas City homes:
Blow-In Cellulose Insulation
Best for: Attics, walls, and hard-to-reach cavities
Cellulose is made from recycled paper treated for fire and pest resistance — an eco-friendly, flexible material perfect for older homes. It can be blown into wall cavities through small holes, avoiding the need to tear down plaster or drywall.
Benefits:
- Fills irregular spaces and voids
- Provides excellent air sealing and soundproofing
- Sustainable and safe for retrofits
- High R-value per inch
Why Henges recommends it:
It’s one of the most effective ways to upgrade insulation in homes with existing walls, minimizing disruption to your interiors.
Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation
Best for: Attic floors and open spaces
Fiberglass remains one of the most reliable insulation materials for attics in older homes. It’s lightweight, non-combustible, and doesn’t settle over time like traditional fiberglass batts.
Benefits:
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Resists moisture and pests
- Ideal for large attic retrofits
- Improves indoor comfort year-round
Pro Tip: Combine blown-in fiberglass with air sealing to prevent leaks and drafts that commonly occur around attic openings and vents.
Drill and Fill Insulation
Best for: Older homes with finished walls
Drill and fill insulation is a minimally invasive method to insulate existing walls. Small holes are drilled between wall studs, and insulation (usually cellulose or fiberglass) is blown in. The holes are then patched and painted.
Benefits:
- Adds insulation to walls without major demolition
- Greatly improves comfort and reduces drafts
- Quick installation with minimal disruption
Ideal for: Historic Kansas City homes where preserving walls and finishes is important.
Spray Foam Insulation
Best for: Basements, crawl spaces, and rim joists
Spray foam expands to fill cracks and gaps, providing both insulation and air sealing in one step. It’s ideal for hard-to-reach or moisture-prone areas.
Benefits:
- Excellent air barrier and moisture resistance
- Boosts structural strength
- Perfect for sealing older foundations and crawl spaces
Because of its cost and expansion properties, spray foam is typically used strategically in older homes — not always as a full-house solution.
BIBS® (Blow-In-Blanket System)
Best for: Walls and ceilings during remodels or renovations
The BIBS® system uses loose fiberglass blown behind a mesh netting to create a seamless thermal barrier. It’s a modern solution that works exceptionally well when remodeling or opening up wall sections.
Benefits:
- High performance and full cavity coverage
- Prevents gaps and air leaks
- Long-lasting and efficient
If you’re renovating your older home, BIBS® insulation provides modern energy performance without changing your home’s character.
What to Do Before Insulating an Older Home
Before adding new insulation, a few important steps ensure safety and long-term performance:
- Check for old materials: Some older homes may contain asbestos or outdated insulation that needs safe removal.
- Inspect for moisture damage: Seal any leaks and repair water damage before adding insulation.
- Seal air leaks: Combine insulation with air sealing to prevent drafts and maximize efficiency.
- Ventilation check: Ensure proper attic and crawl space ventilation to prevent condensation or mold growth.
Henges Insulation offers insulation removal and replacement services, ensuring your new insulation performs at its best.
How Upgrading Insulation Saves You Money
Upgrading your insulation isn’t just about comfort — it’s one of the best long-term investments for your home.
- Energy Savings: Reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25%.
- Comfort: Maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
- Healthier Air Quality: Reduce dust, allergens, and humidity.
- Property Value: Energy-efficient homes attract higher resale value.
Older homes gain the most noticeable improvements after upgrading insulation — especially when combined with air sealing and energy audits.
Trust Henges Insulation: Kansas City’s Home Energy Experts
With over 90 years of experience, Henges Insulation has helped countless Kansas City homeowners bring their older homes up to modern comfort standards. Our team specializes in energy audits, insulation upgrades, and whole-home performance systems (HIGH-TEC-HOME℠) tailored to the unique needs of older properties.
📍 Address: 15640 S. Keeler St., Olathe, KS 66062
📞 Phone: +1 (913) 764-4600
📧 Email: info@hengesconsultation.com
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FAQs About Insulating Older Homes in Kansas City
Q1. Is it safe to insulate an older home?
Yes — with professional inspection. We ensure your home is free from outdated or hazardous materials before adding insulation.
Q2. Will insulation change the look of my home?
No. Most retrofitting techniques like blow-in or drill-and-fill insulation require minimal wall disturbance.
Q3. What’s the best insulation for older brick homes?
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass work well since they can be installed without damaging masonry walls.
Q4. Can insulation help with noise reduction?
Absolutely. Adding wall or attic insulation can significantly reduce outside noise and improve interior quietness.
Q5. How do I know if my old insulation is still effective?
If your home feels drafty, has high energy bills, or uneven room temperatures, it’s time for an insulation inspection or energy audit.