Best Insulation Options for Older Homes in the Front Range

What all Colorado homeowners need to know about insulation upgrades

If you reside in an older house in Colorado's Front Range, the odds are good that your insulation is not doing its job—or missing altogether in some areas. And when your house can't keep the heat in during winter or coolness in during summer, you're paying for it each month on your utility bill.

So let's address the big question: What are some of the top insulation materials to use in older Front Range Colorado homes—and how do you select the optimal one for your needs?

______________________________

First, Why Insulation is More Critical in Older Homes

Pre-1980s homes may have inadequate insulation in walls or crawlspaces, limited insulation, or old materials. This implies:

• Higher energy bills year-round

• Cold floors and drafts during winter

• Upstairs bedrooms too hot in summer

• More strain on your HVAC system

Insulation is one of the least expensive improvements you can make, and in most counties in Colorado, you can even get rebates or tax credits for doing so.

Best Insulation Options for Older Homes

Let's take a look at the best insulation materials Front Range homeowners ought to be considering—and where each shines.

1. Blown-In Cellulose (for Attics & Walls)

Best suited for: Filling existing walls and attics with insulation without major demolition.

Blown-in cellulose is made of recycled paper treated for fire resistance. It's dense, low-cost, and extremely good at filling tight gaps—especially in older home wall cavities.

Pros:

• Minimally-invasive installation for finished walls.

• Superior thermal performance (R-value of approximately 3.5–3.8 per inch)

• Eco-friendly and affordable

Considerations:

• Can settle over time, reducing effectiveness

• Can become damp if exposed to leaks

2. Spray Foam (for air sealing & inaccessible areas)

Best used for: Crawlspaces, rim joists, basements, and areas with air leaks.

Spray foam seals cracks and expands to form a super-tight seal. It's pricier than other materials but is really excellent at sealing drafts and moisture in old, leaky homes.

Pros:

• Maximum R-value per inch (6–7)

• Serves as air and moisture barrier

• Lasts for decades

Considerations:

• Costs more up front

• Needs professional installation.

• Less feasible for big open attic areas (too expensive)

3. Fiberglass batts (for attics & exposed walls)

Best for: Open wall cavities or attics when renovating.

Fiberglass has been a tested and reliable insulation material. If you are renovating a room and can access the exposed studs or joists, it's an inexpensive, effective means of insulating.

Pros:

• Low cost

• Easy DIY solution

• Within reach

Considerations:

• Can leave gaps if not inserted carefully

• Does not seal air leaks by itself

4. Rigid Foam Board (for Basements & Crawlspaces)

Best for: Basement walls, crawlspace ceilings, or exterior sheathing in remodels.

Rigid foam boards (like XPS or polyiso) are moisture-resistant and great for insulating foundations. For older houses with cold, drafty basements, foam board is a smart upgrade.

Pros:

• High R-value per inch (4.5–6.5)

• Resists water and mold

• Can be utilized with framing or drywall

Considerations:

• Not appropriate for blown-in installation

• Needs to be sealed properly at edges for best performance

______________________________

What About Attic Insulation?

For existing Colorado homes, the #1 area to insulate is the attic. You lose the greatest amount of heat through your roof, particularly in the winter.

A mix of spray foam air sealing at penetrations (vents, lights, chimneys) and blown-in cellulose is generally the most cost-effective upgrade.

Local Rebates Can Foot the Bill

If you're in the Front Range, be sure to see:

• Xcel Energy rebates for air sealing and attic insulation

• Colorado RENU Loan for energy-efficiency financing

• Federal tax credits for insulation materials (30% of cost, up to $1,200 annually as of 2024)

______________________________

Final Tips for Choosing Insulation in Older Colorado Homes

✅ Begin with an energy audit. This will reveal where the heat loss is occurring and what needs to be addressed first.

✅ Seal air leaks prior to putting in insulation. A well-insulated house can continue to lose heat if air can get out.

✅ Collaborate with a local expert. Colorado's arid climate, freeze-thaw cycles, and wildfire danger ensure that your insulation strategy needs to be customized—not an off-the-rack solution.

👉Need Help Upgrading Your Insulation During Your Next Remodel? At Alpine Home Repairs, we help Front Range homeowners in Colorado make smart energy improvements from attic insulation to whole basement retrofits. Whether you're looking to save on energy bills or enhance home comfort throughout the year, we'll walk you through the right solutions for your house and your budget.

Alpine Home Repairs