How to Insulate a Basement

Save on Energy Cost by Insulating the Basement

Overview:

There are many homes with basements that are not insulated because there is no intended living space in the basement. Unfortunately this oversight by home builders cost the homeowners a lot of money in energy cost every year. By installing insulation in the basement the homeowner can realize approximately $200 in energy saving each year. Without insulation there can be heat loss from the upstairs through the floor and through the basement walls to the outside. If any portion of the basement has un-insulated stud walls the heat loss can be even greater.   

Even though warm air rises, home loose heat in all directions. In addition to insulating the top and sides of your home you also need to insulate the bottom too.  There can be as much as 30 percent heat lost through the bottom of the house.

For the best results add insulation to your basement walls and treat the basement as an indoor living space. If you do not want to insulate the basement walls then you must add insulation to the basement ceiling and treat your basement as outdoor space. If you choose to treat your basement as outdoor space you should close off all heating and cooling vents located in the basement.

Insulating basement walls:

There are two options for insulation to the basement walls.

The first option is to build and insulate a stud wall against the concrete foundation wall. This is an excellent method if you plan to use your basement as a living area because the stud wall presents the opportunity to run electrical wiring and plumbing. You’ll be able to cover the studs with drywall and create a finished living space.

Fill the stud cavities with regular fiberglass batt insulation. To prevent damage to the wall from trapped moisture, building codes require installing a vapor barrier on the warmest side (inside) of the wall.

The second option is to install rigid foam insulation sheathing directly against the concrete basement wall. To prevent air infiltration and moisture problems, the seams between the foam sheathing should be sealed with moisture-proof tape.

Most building codes require that exposed foam sheathing be covered with a fire barrier. This is usually a layer of half inch drywall. The best technique is to apply furring strips to the sheathing and then attach the drywall to the furring strips.

Insulating basement ceilings:

Insulating your basement ceiling is a straightforward task. Use fiberglass batt insulation designed to fit between the floor joists. Although floor insulation is common when the basement is not intended to be used as living space, wall insulation has advantages over ceiling insulation.

Ceiling insulation is less efficient because it often is compressed by wires, pipes, and ducts that inhabit the floor joists, reducing effectiveness. The additional living space gained by insulating the basement walls makes basements more habitable and usable on a daily basis.

Basement Floor Insulation

Basement Moisture Problems

Basement Lighting

Building a Half Wall

Building Basement Walls

How to Stop Basement Air Leaks

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