Insulating Your Basement Floor

Adding concrete floor insulation and finishing off the basement will also create added living space which will increase the value of your home.

Insulating your basement floor.

Insulating the space between the joists in a basement or crawlspace can help reduce your energy bills. Remove all furniture and storage items that are located in the basement area. You will gain a more comfortable home environment a mold free basement and savings on your yearly energy bills. Step 1 clearing the basement.

Ceiling insulation helps stop heat from leaking into the basement from the floors above which means it makes the basement colder significantly so. Avoid expanded foam insulation the type that has little white beads pressed together when insulating basement walls because it isn t as durable and has a lower r value. Make sure your adhesive is free of solvents which can eat away at the foam insulation. Insulating your basement floor not only keeps your feet warm it helps moderate the room s temperature and increases energy efficiency.

Cut the insulation to length using a square and sharp utility knife. Here s how to insulate under a floor. 2x4 sleepers installed on center every 12 16 inches and fastened down with rigid foam insulation 1 1 2 inch thick placed between the sleepers. Basement floor slabs are best insulated underneath with rigid insulation.

Installing basement floor insulation on top of the concrete floor is a good idea if you decide to finish off the basement. Although the energy savings of sub slab insulation are not as significant as basement wall insulation such insulations do offer a significant improvement in comfort and moisture damage resistance including against summertime condensation. If you do use your basement as a living space a home theater a playroom or a guest bedroom for example the answer is no. Before you start insulating your basement floor though determine if the basement has been affected by moisture or water damage.

Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. If you plan to use your basement as a haven for humans your best bet is to insulate the walls and the floor. Adhere and apply the remaining panels. Even in a house with an unconditioned basement the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside which makes basement wall insulation preferable to ceiling insulation.

Start by gluing 3 4 inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls. Both extruded or expanded polystyrene have been widely used with success. In most cases a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls should be considered a conditioned space. Insulating a basement floor requires a simple framework for the insulation.