INSULATING THE BASEMENT FROM THE INSIDE
Learn Why Basement Insulation Is Important. Types Of Basement Insulation in Toronto and GTA
The insulation should be applied to the basement round its perimeter. Insulating between the basement floors does not make any sense.
There is no doubt that a basement in any home serves as a living space for the family needs. Though many attempts were made to prove the opposite view and disconnect this place from other, more functional, parts of the house. Since basements are considered to be comfortable places for living, they should be designed as well-aired and dry spaces. Normally, people keep their technical equipment and tools in their basements. In most houses, such systems cannot be installed somewhere outside, even if the place is unconditioned and there is no available alternative.
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When a basement or crawl space is dry, pests and termites have no chance to survive there. No matter whether the space is used as a storage or a living room, the need for keeping it dry is essential. That helps eliminate dust mites or mold. The effective control of rainwater and groundwater is a useful strategy for having a dry basement in the house. First of all, it should be insulated. The good-quality insulation reduces water condensation on cold surfaces. So, the average level of humidity will not be too high.
It’s wrong to think about basement and crawl space wall insulation in Ontario as about another option. It is a necessary requirement for effective problem solution. Such issues may include mold growth, cold air penetration into the house, or high utility costs. Insulation helps to save energy and lower the bills by at least 30%.
Basement Problems
- Moisture issues lead to mold and mildew
- Cold floors in the home
- Frozen and bursting pipes
- Ductwork blows cold air in winter
Types Of Basement Insulation
Blanket Basement Ceiling Insulation
The basement insulation can be completed in a number of different options. The choice depends on the climatic conditions and individual needs. The most widely used method is the blanket insulation of a basement ceiling. Blanket sheets made of fiberglass or common cotton blankets are usually used for it. This technique has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is worth speaking about simplicity of application, low cost, and the possibility of covering a large area. The method has one essential disadvantage – this insulation does not allow for the full-scale thermal transfer.
Concrete block insulation and insulating concrete blocks
How do you insulate basement walls?
There is another widely-used option applied to new constructions. It is insulation of the concrete blocks from the outside. The method demands a lot of construction work. Moreover, it is considered to be not as effective as other insulation techniques. The R-value of the walls is also increased. Such a type of insulation from the outside provides a lot of conditioned space that can influence the temperatures indoors. The regular concrete does not have such an insulating rate as the autoclaved cellular or aerated concrete. They are by 10 times more efficient.
Rigid foam or foam board – Rigid insulation for basement (s) walls in Canadian housing
The best way to insulate the interior side of a basement wall is with foam insulation! This material is quite unique in its efficiency because it is not so thick as many others though has a perfect insulating effect. When it is equally spread along the entire perimeter of joists or frames, it can stop a short circuit caused by high temperatures. It means that a foam board can decrease the heat easily and effectively. Moreover, it is resistant to fire. However, when heated or burnt, the material can emit dangerous substances. That is why a fire barrier should be placed over it, no matter where the place for its application is located. Spray foam is probably the best possible insulation material for basements.
Loose-fill ceiling insulation
The recycled materials, such as mineral wool, cellulose, or fiberglass are used for this insulation. They are very effective but much cheaper than any others. The cost of the materials, however, may increase if they are needed in big amounts, for example, when the gaps and holes are rather large and there are also voids in the ceilings. Those should be sealed completely so that the applied insulation should be helpful and energy-saving.
Reflective system
This type of insulating a basement wall is normally installed when there are cavities in buildings. It is similar to other types for its ability to block the air and diminish the flow of heat by convection. This way, it copes with all three ways of heat penetration. Usually, it is used in a bubble form when the framing is not solid enough or when there are some obstructions
Rigid fibrous or fiber insulation
The insulation made of rigid fibrous boards is applied to air ducts in homes. Such materials as mineral wool or fiberglass are usually used for it. These materials can also deal with extremely high temperatures. Fibrous glass insulation used for ducts is made from inorganic substances, such as glass fibers which are resin-bonded. The surface of such a duct board is coated to withstand the airstream. On the outside of the board surface, there is, as a rule, an aluminum barrier for the air which is manufactured and reinforced at the factory, and/or a retarder that helps delay water evaporation and vapor building-up.
Loose Fill Ceiling Insulation
Another type, spray foam insulation, is applied to basements in residential buildings in Toronto that have been completed, so they do not need any further construction work. However, such insulation is rather costly. This liquid foam insulation mixture also contains such substances as polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate. It is applied to the walls in the basement together with some foam-producing agent.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
The uniform and reliable insulation can be provided with structural insulated panels in Ontario (Canada). They consist of prefabricated units used in the design and construction of floors and ceilings, walls and roofs. A more conventional method known as “stick frame” or stud is not so much energy-saving. The panels save 12%-14% more energy than any other method. SIPs owe their durability and long lifespan to the high quality of manufacturing. The panels that have not been installed properly can delaminate. That is why they should be stuck, pressed, and dried in accordance with their application requirements.
Basement Floor Insulation
The choice of the best insulation method depends on many factors. For example, for the concrete slab or floor insulation, the available headroom and costs of work mean much. For most finished basements, the headroom is regulated by building codes. They establish it as 7’-6”. The finished ceiling is taken into consideration so that it should fit the minimum height of the predetermined sub-floor. There are two widely-used methods that were popular in the past and continue to be used nowadays.
Basement Ceiling Insulation
Some proven methods of insulation for saving costs on energy bills turn out to be rather costly. Though, you need to try them out because they are sure to compensate your expenses in future. First of all, insulate the ceiling in your basement. Try to insulate the attic as well. Weather-strip doors and windows in your home, or just install storm windows, instead.
What type of insulation should be used in a basement?
Framing and insulating basement {s) walls is the core of a basement finishing project. The first thing you need to do is to insulate a basement wall using foam insulation. It is applied immediately to the concrete. The most popular insulation material which is widely used in homes is polyurethane. It is provided in several different modifications. The material that has been used for insulation for ages is closed-cell polyurethane. Though, its components have altered sufficiently for the previous 15 years. The agents threatening the ozone layer have been replaced with much safer ingredients.
Whether you’re insulating a basement walls or a wall during a renovation, here are some simple and easy installation tips to help you save money.
Basement Insulation FAQ
How to install blanket insulation in basement walls?
What type of insulation should be used in a basement?
Should you put plastic on basement walls?
Do I need a vapor barrier on my basement walls?
What is a good R value for basement insulation?
How To Insulate A Basement Wall?
Choosing the Best Insulation for Your Basement with Tornado Plumbing & Drains.
