3 Ideal Ways to Insulate Your Basement

With the approaching summer season, it's time to turn the drafty uncomfortable space into another great living area. Add Roxul batt insulation material to basement areas for making it comfortable and more energy efficient. These spaces if left un-insulated causes a huge energy loss. New studies by building scientists have proven to get the full benefits from a home's thermal barrier it needs to include the basement to give you the highest energy efficiency. Stopping this loss can save up to $170 per year off heating and cooling costs. Insulating the foundation room lowers heating requirements and avoids moisture condensation.

Where to add basement insulation:

Adding insulation to the interior of the foundation is often more cost effective for an existing building. Installation of insulation depends upon the type you choose and the most affected areas. Determine the insulation R- Value and choose from blanket (batt or roll) insulation, foam board insulation, loose-fill insulation or spray foam insulation. There are three ways to insulate a basement, first is ceiling, second is basement walls and then insulating the concrete slab floors. You could add Roxul comfortbatt insulation to your basement walls and treat the basement as indoor space, or add insulation to the basement ceiling and treat your basement as outdoor space, or create a well-insulated floor.

Option 1: Insulate the basement wall

Basement wall insulation prevents substantial heat loss. Insulating the interior face of foundation walls with Roxul fire batt insulation is the best way to eliminate cold walls and to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. Basement wall insulation lowers moisture content, protects water pipes from freezing, minimizes thermal bridging, condensation, etc. It serves as a capillary break to moisture intrusion. Some insulation are even made with disinfectant to discourage termite infestation.

Option 2: Insulate the basement ceiling

Do not neglect your basement ceiling, when you think of about home insulation. Insulating your basement is a straight forward job. Some fiberglass or foam insulation can make a huge difference in the transfer of cold air from the basement to the house, as well as cut down the loss of warm or cool air from the house to the basement. This could allow you to keep your basement as cool as possible. Insulation material with higher R-Values than fiberglass, moisture-resistance and superior air sealing capabilities is the best choice. Experts recommend to seal off the basement door to prevent energy loss between floors.

Option 3: Insulate the concrete floor

Insulation of basement concrete floor befits the energy efficiency and keeps the room comfortable. Install radiant floor batt below the concrete layer. This is more affordable option which requires no maintenance or repair and distributes the energy evenly. You could save thousands of dollars in initial building cost and perhaps hundred of dollars in operational cost.

Ultimately, addition of insulation material enhances the thermal performance in a cost-effective way. Basement insulation will not only keep the required heat you need to enjoy your basement, but also lowers your energy cost. Turn your unfinished basement into beautiful, functional living space.