Basement Wall Insulation

Tap to Read ➤ Medha Godbole

In order to keep moisture from spoiling your basement walls, insulation is very crucial. Read this story to know more.

Since basements are situated below ground level, water seepage is a common problem. Although cellars are cold and damp, it is essential to make sure that the internal heat of the house does not escape through the cracks that might develop in them if not insulated properly.

Hence, in order to avoid heat loss and water seepage, basements are often insulated both externally and internally.

Options to Consider

Option 1: Spray foam is available in spray cans from the stores where you get construction supplies. This foam imparts a porous barrier which insulates the walls.

However, you will have to install a wooden frame prior to that. This compound is created from a polyurethane liquid which expands, dries, and then hardens in an insulating sealant.

Option 2: Another option is the usage of bubble foil. While the spray foam is as easy as point and shoot, this is as easy as applying a sticker. This is because these rolls have an adhesive back. Simply roll out the foil and attach it to the wall surface for interior basement insulation.

Option 3: Insulation cannot be complete without mentioning fiberglass. Effective and easy to install, this is a preferred insulation option. You can stick or fix it with nails. It is available in rolls and coated in a foil vapor barrier to handle easily. The foil vapor protects the insulation from moisture by waterproofing.

In addition to these there are other options like cotton fiber insulation, rigid foam insulation and wet cellulose insulation. How well the basement has been insulated depends on the R-value.

The equation is: more the R-value, greater the effectiveness of the insulation. R-value depends on the type of insulation and includes its material, thickness, and density. While you calculate the R-value of a multi-layered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers to get the figure. This value is used for exterior basement insulation as well.

Advantages

One of the most important advantages of sealing basement walls, is that you save a lot of energy. The internal heat is trapped, keeping the temperature comfortable during winter.

In addition to that, the mold concerns too will be eliminated once the basement is dry. The foundation is protected from getting flooded and the pipes too are saved from being frozen. As a result, the moisture content is drastically reduced.

Tips for Insulating Basement Walls

Getting yourself acquainted with the local codes and regulations for insulation is important. Caulking and sealing too are as necessary as the actual insulation. While working around boxes, pipes, wiring, and the like, fix the insulation gently around these things as compression of these substances reduces the R value.

Get complete information about insulation panels and boards before using and fixing them. To protect joists in basements, the fiberglass is the best option.