Insulation is one of the least visible but most important parts of a home’s comfort and efficiency. When insulation fails, energy bills rise, rooms become inconsistent in temperature and the HVAC system strains to keep up. In Staten Island and South Brooklyn, older homes often have insulation that is worn out, poorly installed or missing entirely.

Here’s how to tell if a home’s insulation is past its useful life.

Clear Signs of Failing Insulation

• Rooms that swing hot or cold compared to the rest of the house.

• Drafts near walls, floors, outlets or attic access points.

• Ice dams on the roof in winter, caused by heat leaking into the attic.

• High energy bills with no clear explanation.

• Cold walls or floors in winter and warm interior walls in summer.

• HVAC running excessively or failing to meet thermostat targets.

• Attic insulation lower than joist height, meaning it has settled or compressed.

Why It’s Common in Staten Island and Brooklyn

Homes built before the 1980s in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Eltingville and Great Kills often have minimal or outdated insulation. Attics may only have a few inches of fiberglass. Walls may have hollow cavities. Even newer renovations sometimes miss key areas like rim joists or attic kneewalls.

Salt air and humidity can also degrade insulation over time, especially in attics and crawlspaces.

What Homeowners Should Do

• Inspect the attic to confirm depth and condition of insulation.

• Consider blown-in cellulose or spray foam to improve R-value.

• Check rim joists and crawlspaces, two of the biggest heat-loss areas.

• Seal air leaks before adding insulation for best results.

• Ask an energy auditor for a blower-door test if comfort issues are severe.

Insulation upgrades are one of the highest ROI improvements for older homes in Staten Island and Brooklyn.

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Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | ranolarealestate.com