Recommended Insulation For Basement Walls

There are some small theoretical advantages to insulating on the exterior having to do with.
Recommended insulation for basement walls. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. When you are insulating two by four 2x4 and two by six 2x6 framed exterior walls and want to use fiberglass insulation what thickness is best the question becomes all more critical because of the permanent nature of wall assemblies and wall insulation. Any foam insulation works well in basements but don t do batt and studs. I ve written several articles on insulating basement walls and evolved some of my methods over time.
Insulation level are specified by r value. When insulating concrete basement walls a good idea because concrete basement walls are often cold use rigid foam board insulation if the insulation will come into direct contact with the. Insulation seals air leaks and provides consistent thermal resistance from cold walls. Basement spray foam insulation cons.
Properly installed wall insulation conditions the basement from the colder underground and makes the space more comfortable even if the basement is left unheated. Energy savings are about the same whether you insulate on the interior or exterior. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Basements are a challenge because of high moisture levels and cooler temperatures.
Recommended home insulation r values. Once the insulation is in the wall and sealed up with drywall it is not easy to change out. Choosing the best insulation for basement walls and ceiling. Spray foam insulation is a more expensive option when insulating the basement.
Except for the deep south. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Best methods for insulating basement walls. The best insulation to use is rigid foam which is largely unaffected by moisture.
After the cement is set apply a foam board adhesive to the rear of a polystyrene insulation panel then press the panel to the wall. Basement wall insulation is recommended in most of the u s. Adhere and apply the remaining panels. Basement wall insulation also provides greater efficiency than insulating basement ceilings.
If the material isn t installed properly air leakage is still possible which will lead to comfort issues in the future. Plain and simple if you plan to use your basement for added living space and you want it to be comfortable healthy and energy efficient you definitely want to insulate the walls with foam. Warm basement walls and energy savings go hand in hand. Basements provide for a very challenging insulation problem.