Basement Wall Insulation

Okay, you have decided to start up a cookery class in the basement. Or let's say you want to get the basement remodeling done so that it could be used as a study. But there is one small problem. The basement walls have a tendency to get damp and retain moisture, on account of weak or no insulation. In fact that problem is keeping you from starting something there. Well it is never late to do a thing which is due and necessary, right?

Options for Basement Wall Insulation

Several options can be pondered over for insulation of basement walls. The major concern is how well these materials insulate and protect the basement. Take a look.

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

Option 2
Another option for insulating basement walls is 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 the mention of fiberglass. Effective and easy to install, this is a preferred insulation option for many. You can either stick it or fix it using nails. It is available in rolls and is coated in foil vapor barrier for ease of handling. That foil vapor protects the insulation from moisture and ensures basement 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. R-value is used for exterior basement insulation as well.

Advantages of Insulating Basement Walls

One of the most important advantages of sealing basement walls, is that you save a lot of energy from being wasted. The heat is trapped in, keeping the temperature comfortable in winters. 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. The moisture content of the basement is drastically reduced as a result.

Tips for Insulating Basement Walls

Before I close the article, I thought some tips in connection with insulating basement walls is warranted, right? So here we go!

• 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 insulating substances reduces the r value of the insulation.
• Get complete information about insulation panels and boards before using and fixing them.
• To insulate joists in basements, the fiberglass is the best option.

There is lot more to basement wall insulation than just foam and fiberglass. But I hope for starters, this is good enough! Till next time it is ciao from me!