EPS insulation when renovating older homes

Many older homes were built at a time when insulation received little attention. Thin walls, uninsulated floors and gaps mean that heat escapes easily. When renovating these types of homes, insulation is therefore often one of the most effective measures to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption. EPS insulation is regularly used in this context, as it is a practical and versatile solution that fits in well with existing construction.

EPS, also known as expanded polystyrene or Styrofoam, is lightweight and easy to work with. As a result, in renovations, it is often possible to insulate without major structural modifications. In this article, you will read what exactly EPS insulation is, where it is used and what to consider when renovating.

Why older homes often need extra insulation

Homes built before about 1980 often lack good insulation. Heat loss occurs mainly through:

- The floor above the crawl space

- Uninsulated facades

- The roof

- Seams and connections

In older houses, eps floor insulation is often a first step, as coldness from the crawl space directly affects living comfort. Cold floors, draughts and high energy bills are common complaints.

Renovation offers a logical time to address these shortcomings. By adding insulation, the house is not only warmer but also heated more evenly, which noticeably increases living comfort.

What makes EPS insulation suitable for renovation

EPS is widely used in renovation because of a combination of properties that suit existing homes well.

Key features of EPS insulation:

- Light material, putting little strain on the existing structure

- Easy to cut to size

- Suitable for various applications

- Affordable compared to some other insulation materials

Those wondering what is EPS insulation can think of it as an insulation material that is mainly used where large areas need to be efficiently insulated, such as floors and facades. EPS insulation boards are dimensionally stable and retain their properties for a long time, which is an important advantage in renovation projects.

Applications of EPS insulation in older homes

EPS insulation is used in different areas in older homes, depending on the construction and renovation purpose.

Floor insulation

In homes with a crawl space, EPS floor insulation is a common solution. EPS boards or beads are used to reduce cold and moisture from the crawl space. This ensures:

- Warmer floors

- Less draught

- Lower energy consumption

Crawl space

In crawl spaces, EPS is often used because it resists damp conditions well. The material does not rot and retains its insulating properties.

Roof insulation

When renovating roofs, EPS can be used as an insulation layer, for example for flat roofs or when insulating on the outside. Its low weight makes it suitable for older roof constructions.

Facade insulation

EPS is also used in facade insulation, for example in external facade insulation systems. Here, the insulation is installed on the outside of the house and finished with a facade finish.

EPS insulation when space is limited

A key advantage of EPS insulation is that it is available in different thicknesses. This makes it possible to insulate without making drastic changes to rooms.

When renovating older homes, space is often limited, for example:

- Low crawl spaces

- Existing floor structures

- Joints at window frames

EPS insulation boards can offer a solution here because they are relatively thin yet provide a clear improvement in insulation. This makes EPS suitable for situations where major renovations are not desirable or possible.

Points of attention when renovating with EPS

Although EPS has many advantages, there are also points to consider.

Connection and placement

The boards should fit well to avoid gaps. Poor connection reduces the insulating effect.

Moisture and ventilation

EPS is moisture-resistant, but in case of floor insulation, good ventilation of the crawl space remains important to prevent moisture problems.

Load and finish

For floor applications, make sure that the insulation is sufficiently pressure-resistant for the load placed on it.

Disadvantages of EPS insulation

As with any insulation material, there are also disadvantages EPS insulation. For example, EPS has less sound-insulating properties than some other materials and, in certain applications, requires extra attention to fire safety and finishing.

The advantages of EPS insulation when renovating

When EPS insulation is applied correctly in older homes, it brings clear benefits:

- Lower energy costs due to less heat loss

- Warmer floors and fewer draughts

- Improved living comfort

- Relatively simple application when renovating

- Suitable for different parts of the house

For many homeowners, EPS is an accessible way to make the home more energy efficient step by step, without immediate major renovations.

Where to find suitable EPS insulation for renovation

The choice of EPS insulation depends on the application, the space available and the condition of the house. Different types and designs are available, tailored to floors, roofs and facades.

Those who want to delve further into the possibilities and applications of EPS insulation can find out more about EPS insulation material at an insulation shop such as Budget Insulation