While a Cape Cod house may look like something out of a cozy seaside postcard, it's no secret that this classic architectural style tends to underperform when it comes to energy efficiency, especially in the attic.
Built to face ocean breezes, these homes were never designed with modern comfort in mind. While charming, the traditional Cape Cod house is notorious for insulation problems that lead to temperature inconsistencies, drafty rooms, and high energy bills.
At RetroFoam of Michigan, we've been insulating homes for more than 20 years -- and a good number of them have been Cape Cod-style houses. With all that experience, we know exactly what to look for and how to address the most common insulation challenges.
In this article, we'll break down Cape Cod house characteristics, the unique insulation issues these homes face, and how to effectively tackle them, especially if you're wondering how to insulate a Cape Cod attic the right way.
A Cape Cod house is a one- or one-and-a-half-story home with a steeply pitched gabled roof, minimal ornamentation, and a cozy, symmetrical design, according to Old Houses for Sale.
This iconic style originated in 17th-century New England and saw a major revival between the 1930s and 1950s.
Despite its charming exterior, the internal design of a Cape Cod-style home can make proper insulation a challenge.
These architectural details contribute to the unique challenges of Cape Cod insulation, especially in the attic and knee wall areas.
The resurgence of Cape Cod homes during the Great Depression meant insulation wasn't a priority -- fuel was cheap, and energy efficiency wasn't top of mind.
Unfortunately, those decisions continue to affect homeowners today.
Here are the top insulation problems found in Cape Cod houses.
Most Cape Cod homes built between the 1920s and 1950s were constructed without insulation.
Back then, heating costs were low, so homeowners didn't see the value in spending more to insulate.
Some Cape Cod-style homes don't have ductwork or piping for heat on the second floor at all.
Worse yet, in many cases, hot water pipes are routed through exterior walls or behind knee walls -- areas that often aren't insulated -- leading to major heat loss.
Ah, the knee wall.
It's a short wall (typically under 3 feet) that supports the roof rafters in the upper floor. The problem isn't the wall -- it's the uninsulated space behind it.
These areas are often forgotten, allowing air to leak in and out, which impacts both comfort and energy costs.
The good news? Adding proper insulation to your Cape Cod house can make a huge difference in comfort, efficiency, and monthly energy bills.
Air sealing the home is one of the best options for this style of home. And the best way to achieve a full air seal is with foam insulation.
Here's how to fix those key issues.
By combining proper insulation with strategic air sealing, your Cape Cod house can be just as energy efficient as it is charming.
If you're ready to make your Cape Cod-style house more comfortable and efficient, we're here to help. Fill out the form on our website to request a free consultation, or if you'd like to learn more about foam insulation, check out our Learning Center.
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