Inside or outside wall insulation.
You can insulate basement walls in two ways: inside or outside.
Some clients say that the outside basement wall insulation was better and more effective. But, during different projects, with the development of new materials, new methods, interior basement insulation was proved to be another good solution. There are advantages and disadvantages of both.
Advantages of inside insulation
- Insulating the basement is something that you can do during any season. You can work partially and that would not be a problem.
- Sometimes It is easier and cheaper to insulate the full wall and achieve high insulating values.
- The landscaping and driveway will not be disturbed.
Disadvantages of inside insulation
- It is very important to remove the moisture before adding insulation. You should not insulate a basement with moisture problems from the inside (leaks, dampness). otherwise, your new walls will rot.
- Adding insulation to the inside will make the foundation walls even colder. Any humid air that comes in contact with these cold walls will condense. This means moisture problems. This can lead to long-term mould exposure.
Electrical panels, stairs, plumbing, and partition walls, can make the work more difficult and the insulation and air barrier less effective. If part of the basement wall is already finished, you can remove and reinstall wall paneling.
Advantages of outside insulation
Save money on heating bills
No one wants to spend more than necessary on heating the home, especially when up to 25% of that heat escapes through the walls! Covering your home with wall insulation creates an invisible barrier that stops water absorption. With dry walls, the amount of heat that is lost is a very small amount.
Increase the value of your property
Buyers want to invest their money in a home that is very efficient and it is safe. And this is what wall insulation does! Increases the value of your home.
Thermal capabilities
By insulating the external walls, you can improve the thermal capabilities of the home, and improve internal acoustics.
Outside insulation Improves sound insulation and internal acoustics
External wall insulation Internal reduces noise pollution. If you want to reduce the internal noise, another way is the wall insulation between walls and floors.
Reduce Condensation and Prevent Damp from Taking Hold
By insulating the walls, the risk of condensation and damp forming is reduced.
Disadvantages of outside insulation
- When you dig a trench around the house by hand can be very difficult and risky depending on so many factors. You can use machinery but access could be a problem.
- Storing the dirt it’s also a problem.
- You can’t do this type of insulation during winter because of the snow, rainy day, cold weather.
- Brick foundations could be partially supported by the soil so you should contact an expert before starting.
- It is true that you will need to spend money in order to protect your home and make it run more efficiently.
- Another disadvantage is the need to request planning permission.
- If your property is located in conservation areas, the application may be rejected.
Basement ceiling insulation
Another part of your basement that should be insulated is the ceiling. A common way to insulate your basement ceiling is to use fiberglass batt insulation. Insulating the ceiling in the basement will make a protective envelope and reduce the height of space in the basement. Basement insulation will make your floor above the basement much warmer, which means more saved money and energy. However, there are also some downsides. When insulated, the basement ceiling is completely separated from your house floor, which can be a significant thermal source. This means home temperature since cold air from the basement can travel to your home through potential cracks and holes around your electrical wires and plumbing.
How to insulate your basement?
Choose Your Insulation
When you want to insulate your basement, it’s very important to select the right product for the job. Typically, rigid or spray foam insulation is very recommended for basement applications. Insulating your basement this way creates a thermal break between the warm air inside and the cooler air outside, preventing condensation and moisture build-up. This is because spray foam has the ability to resist both moisture and temperature differentials. Fiberglass and mineral wool batting or cellulose insulation, are not recommended for basements. These types of insulation allow air to circulate, this can lead to moisture buildup on the concrete walls beneath them, eventually causing mould or rot.
Make sure your basement is dry
Before installing any interior wall insulation, make sure that your basement doesn’t have a water-entry problem.
Avoid polyethylene vapor barriers
Basement wall systems should never have to do with polyethylene because polyethylene can trap moisture, leading to mold or rot.. You don’t need any poly between the concrete and the foam insulation, or do you want poly between gypsum drywall and the insulation.
Caulk Your Foundation Walls
Before you start installing insulation, you should caulk any kind of spaces, holes that can absorb water and damage the insulation.
Glue Foam Insulation to Foundation Walls
Glue your rigid foam boards to the foundation walls, cutting the pieces so that they fit tightly against the rim joists. Use glue designed for use with rigid foam insulation.
Install Blocking
You’ll need to install blocking between the first floor joists so you have something to attach the top plates to. Cut two-by-fours to the appropriate length to fit between the exterior wall and the first floor joist. Place them at intervals of three feet, going all the way around the basement walls.
Install Studs
Use a hammer drill to install the bottom plate into the floor, and screw the top plate to the blocks you installed in the last step.
Cover the Insulation
Never leave the insulation exposed in your basement. Cover it with drywall or another wall surface. Apply the glue to the studs before you hang the drywall and then once the mud dries, you can prime the drywall, then paint it.
Install Fiberglass Batts
Now that you put the studs in their place, install your fiberglass batt insulation. This type of insulation is known as blanket insulation. Then you have to install a vapor layer on top of the fiberglass.