Insulation is as important in homes in hot climates as it is to those in cold climates. By keeping the hot air out and the cool air in, insulation helps both heating and cooling systems perform more efficiently. In Savannah, This Old House used two different kinds of insulation from everyday sources to keep the house cool and dry.

In interior walls, contractors used batt insulation, made from cotton denim scraps, to lessen sound transmission. While slightly more expensive than fiberglass, the cotton was installed like traditional insulation and required no special precautions.

Cellulose insulation was perfect for small, irregular spaces against the exterior walls of the building. Available since the 1930s, it is simply ground up newspaper treated with boric acid (to control pests and prevent fires.) A dry adhesive is a recent innovation, added to the mixture to keep the insulation from settling. The product was blown-in through a hose whose nozzle added water, which caused the insulation to stick to the wall. A shaver (a rubber drum attached to an electric motor) trimmed the excess and the surface was ready for drywall.

A New Addition
A Southern Kitchen
A Master With Class

2nd Floor:
Guest Bedroom | Guest Bath | Bedroom
Laundry | Master Bedroom | Master Bath | Attic