I went through this exact debate when we tackled our old Victorian. Spray foam definitely seals things up tight, especially in tricky spots like around windows or awkward corners. But honestly, for most walls and ceilings, batt insulation did the job just fine for us. Have you checked if your house has any moisture issues? Older homes can be finicky about airflow, and sometimes spray foam can trap moisture if you're not careful... Curious what others think about that.
We ran into this exact issue with a client's older home recently. Spray foam is great for sealing drafts, but you're right—moisture can be tricky. We ended up recommending batt insulation for most areas and only used spray foam selectively around problematic spots. Worked out nicely so far...
Had a similar experience when we decided to "sweater up" our old Victorian a few years back. Thought spray foam would be our saving grace—until the moisture monster showed up. Ended up with batt insulation for most walls, and just spot-treated with spray foam around windows and that one dreaded corner in the guest room (you know, the one that always feels like it's haunted by drafts).
Funny enough, after we finished insulating, my heating bills dropped nicely, but then I noticed condensation creeping up on windows I never even considered problematic before. Old houses have their quirks—they seem to love surprising you with new problems right after you tackle the old ones.
Honestly though, despite the hiccups, I'd say it was worth it. The place feels cozier now and guests no longer ask if our thermostat is broken. Just be ready for some unexpected adventures along the way...
"Old houses have their quirks—they seem to love surprising you with new problems right after you tackle the old ones."
Haha, exactly this. I've rehabbed a few older homes over the years, and every single one had its own set of "surprise!" moments. Sounds like you navigated it pretty well, though. Batt insulation can be underrated—less glamorous than spray foam, but way easier to troubleshoot later if something funky pops up. Glad you're seeing lower heating bills now; makes the hassle feel worth it in the end.
Batt insulation definitely has its place, especially if you're someone who likes to keep things accessible for future troubleshooting. I've done a couple of insulation projects myself—one was spray foam, the other batt—and honestly, both have their pros and cons. Spray foam gives you that airtight seal, but if you ever need to get behind it later (say, for wiring or plumbing issues), it's a royal pain. Batt insulation, on the other hand, might not have the same R-value per inch, but it's way more forgiving when you inevitably have to open up the wall again.
One thing I'd add from experience: if you're wrapping an older house, pay extra attention to moisture management. Older buildings weren't always built with modern vapor barriers or ventilation in mind, so adding insulation can sometimes trap moisture in unexpected places. I had a friend who insulated his 1920s bungalow beautifully, only to discover mold behind the drywall a year later because he skipped proper ventilation. It wasn't pretty.
To avoid headaches like that, make sure you're pairing your insulation upgrade with good airflow. Consider adding soffit vents or ridge vents if you haven't already. Also, double-check your vapor barrier placement—generally speaking, in colder climates, the vapor barrier should go on the warm side of the insulation (usually the interior side). Doing this right can save you from some nasty surprises down the road.
Glad your heating bills dropped, though. That's always satisfying after putting in all that work.
