Insulating Your Basement Floor

Make sure your adhesive is free of solvents which can eat away at the foam insulation.

Insulating your basement floor.

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. 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. Insulating a basement floor requires a simple framework for the insulation. Both extruded or expanded polystyrene have been widely used with success.

Before you start insulating your basement floor though determine if the basement has been affected by moisture or water damage. Insulating your basement floor not only keeps your feet warm it helps moderate the room s temperature and increases energy efficiency. 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. Cut the insulation to length using a square and sharp utility knife.

Insulating the space between the joists in a basement or crawlspace can help reduce your energy bills. In most cases a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls should be considered a conditioned space. Installing a floor in the midst of such damage would only allow it to mold. You will gain a more comfortable home environment a mold free basement and savings on your yearly energy bills.

Here s how to insulate under a floor. Adding concrete floor insulation and finishing off the basement will also create added living space which will increase the value of your home. 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.

Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. Step 1 clearing the basement. 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. Remove all furniture and storage items that are located in the basement area.

Start by gluing 3 4 inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls. Ceiling insulation helps stop heat from leaking into the basement from the floors above which means it makes the basement colder significantly so. 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. Step by step basement insulation installation 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.