Thinking about how we used to stuff newspaper in walls for insulation

I helped my grandpa retrofit an old house years ago, and we used bundled newspaper for insulation. It was messy and didn't do much for heat loss. Now, with modern materials like batts and foam, the job is cleaner and way more effective. Sometimes I miss the simplicity, but I don't miss the dust. It's wild to see how far the trade has come.

3 comments

3 Comments

wade991mo ago

Saying foam batts are 'full of chemicals' is a bit over the top. They use safe, man-made stuff that keeps heat in way better than paper. I'd take effective insulation over nostalgic mess any day.

paige_martin1mo ago

Actually, that old newspaper method had its perks lol. It was cheap and used stuff that would just get thrown out anyway. These new foam batts might work better, but they cost a ton and are full of chemicals. Sometimes the simple, messy way is more honest, you know? Plus, grandpas knew a thing or two about making do with what they had.

terryscott1mo ago

My grandpa STUFFED our walls with newspaper too, and it worked like a charm for decades!