There are two things you can do in order to improve the energy efficiency of your basement: air sealing and basement insulation upgrading. Sealing the air leaks around the perimeter of your basement foundations has a lot of effect on maintaining the energy of the building. If your basement design includes an exterior door, that should also be your main focus for air leakage sealing. At Eco Spray Insulation you will find the required support and expertise to address your basement air leakage and insulation needs. Contact Eco Spray Insulation, your trusted local dealer to have your home inspected and tested for basement insulation needs.

Choosing the Right Location for Basement Insulation Determines the Effectiveness

Depending on the place of the basement you choose to insulate, will determine the effectiveness and the result of your insulation. Many homeowners in the past used to put fiberglass batt insulation in-between the joists of the basement ceiling. But facts considered, this method of insulation does not focus on insulating the basement itself but the living space above it. Thus, if you choose to insulate the walls of the basement instead of the ceiling, then the basement section of the house would become part of the home’s building envelope. Being a part of the home’s building envelope means that the basement is part of the home’s conditioned space, turning it into a more comfortable place. A properly insulated basement will preserve the heat of the hot water lines and of the duct pipes of the HVAC system, which are vulnerable to the outside freezing cold temperatures of the winter.

What are the Best Insulation Materials for the Basement?

When insulating your basement, the focus should be on selecting materials that will block the heat transfer, will not accumulate moisture and will prevent mould growth. There are plenty of insulation materials you can choose from on the market, but they can be grouped into four main categories: Spray Foam Insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, Cellulose Insulation and Foam Board. Eco Spray Insulation has excessive experience and certified experts that will complete your home insulation project from the basement to the rooftop. If you are looking for a local contractor to insulate your basement and turn it into a warmer and more comfortable place, we got you covered with relevant expertise on the insulation methods and the best insulation materials on the market. We have been researching ourselves and now we want to share our expertise and inform our customers on what are the best insulation materials for the basement. Here below we will elaborate on the pros and cons for each group of insulation materials.

Basement Spray Foam Insulation

If there is one perfect place for using spray foam insulation, it would be the basement. This dense insulation material is designed to seal all the air leaks and block the heat transfer of your building. It will also serve as a vapour barrier which will seal the basement and stop cold air from outside getting inside. We have been using spray foam insulation over the years and we could say that it is the preferred insulation material to work with among homeowners and insulation contractors. Polyurethane spray foam is a dense material which unlike other insulation materials does not lose its shape over the years. It fills the cracks and holes and also adds to the structural strength of your building.

We have been using many insulation products and brands in the past, but we have gotten the best of results by using SOPRA-SPF 202 spray foam insulation, by SOPREMA. SOPRA-SPF 202 is closed cell polyurethane foam that is produced by blending two main components, one of the SOPRA-SPF 202 RESIN or SOPRA-SPF 202 LT with SOPRA-SPF ISO, with a 1:1 ratio. What’s even more exciting about this product is its eco-friendliness. It has a zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and the least of the Global Warming Effect, thanks to its HFO blowing agent. It is one of the few products to have earned the GREENGUARD GOLD certification.  SOPREMA insulation materials are designed for each type of construction insulation, be it commercial or residential buildings. They can be applied in almost all types of surfaces and substrates such as wood, metal, concrete, masonry, etc. Our technicians have mastered the application process of these products, which require the substrates to be free of moisture, grease, and any other dirt prior to application. The benefits of using SOPRA-SPF-202 spray foam insulation include high thermal-resistance value, monolithic insulation, structural strength, and the highest coverage rate for the same quantity of product used.

Pros of Basement Spray Foam Insulation:

• Waterproofing qualities, it does not retain water so it is hostile towards mould or mildew growth.
• Spray foam insulation acts as a vapour barrier, preserving the warm air inside and keeping the cold air outside.
• Soundproofing qualities, it acts as a sound barrier dampening outdoor noises and sounds, creating a more comfortable home environment.
• Adds to the structural strength of the building thanks to its dense composition

Cons of Basement Spray Foam Insulation

• Polyurethane foam is relatively more expensive than the other options for basement insulation.
• It requires proper installation by certified technicians, otherwise, air leaks and moisture related problems will persist even after application.

Basement Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation can be found in the form of loose fill or batt insulation. Its main composition material is plastic which in turn is reinforced with glass fibres, as the name itself suggests. Fiberglass Insulation has been since long used to insulate walls, floors, attics, ceilings, and crawl spaces. It is found vastly used in older homes as the new constructions have switched to more modern and eco-friendly materials.

Pros of Basement Fiberglass Insulation:

• Fiberglass insulation is the cheapest option when you compare it to other options for basement insulation.
• If you are planning to carry yourself the works for the basement renovation, including the insulation process, then fiberglass insulation would be the Do It Yourself (DIY) project.

Cons of Basement Fiberglass Insulation:

• Fiberglass insulation lacks waterproofing properties and so is prone to moisture accumulation and mould growth.
• Fiberglass insulation has a low density and a low thermal-resistance value as a consequence thus does not make the most for blocking heat transfer and preserving the energy of the building.
• Fiberglass insulation is made of small plastic and glass particles which if disturbed can be released into the air, embedded in the human skin, or even inhaled.

Basement Foam Board Insulation

Foam board insulation comes in the form of ready-made solid foam boards, covered with a radiant barrier on one side and used to insulate almost every part of your home. The materials composition of foam boards varies between polyurethane, polystyrene and polyisocyanurate and it can be applied directly to the basement walls for sealing the space.

Pros of Basement Foam Board Insulation:

• Some types of foam board insulation have proved to be water-resistant, preventing moisture condensation and mould growth.
• When foam board insulation is fitted properly into the surface, it will serve as an air barrier.
• Foam board insulation needs little maintenance and can survive undamaged for long periods of time.

Cons of Basement Foam Board Insulation:

• If foam board sheets are not matched perfectly during the application process, it will not provide proper air sealing qualities.
• Some types of foam boards composed of expanded polystyrene can accumulate moisture inside the air bubbles, limiting the thermal-resistance value.
• Foamboard sheets need to be cut and fit into the exact shape of the surface to be insulated, otherwise, the air sealing properties will be compromised and the energy will be lost.

Choose the Best Insulation for your Basement Walls and Ceiling

Basements might be the most neglected areas when it comes to home insulation, but they need as much insulation as the rest of the house. They need to be included inside your home’s building envelope, so your entire home will feel warmer, cozier, and more comfortable in general. When your basement is insulated, it means that your home is protected from outside cold air and pollutants, preventing moisture accumulation and mould growth. If you are looking for a cheap option to insulate your basement this season, then fiberglass insulation and rigid foam boards are the ones to go. But if you are looking for quality insulation that will provide the highest thermal resistance value and air isolating properties, then we recommend spray foam insulation. If you want to experience the full benefits of SOPREMA’s new SOPRA-SPF 202 spray foam insulation product, then call us instantly at (416) 860-6664, at any given time of the day, or send us an email with your insulation requirements for a free of charge and no obligations estimate.

Moisture is the key ingredient causing mold in basement areas, but there’s more than just a little moisture that can lead to a mold infestation.

1. Excess Moisture: Leaks, spills, and cracks in your foundation also can cause higher humidity and moisture. If you don’t catch and fix these issues directly, mold will begin growing. Try adding a dehumidifier in your basement to stay humidity and moisture low. Using air con during the summer months also will help decrease the humidity and stop the spread of mold.
2. Leaks in Your Roof and Walls: Water that leaks in from your roof or pipes are one of the causes of mold in basement areas. A leak brings an endless supply of water and moisture to dark areas in your home. Since most pipes and roofs have a layer of drywall and insulation around them, they create perfect places for mold to grow. Because the mold spreads, you’ll start seeing it growing on your walls and ceilings. Our experts have to fix the leaks and repair the moldy areas.
3. Flooding: Excess water in your basement and residential isn’t an honest sign. Flooding causes excess water to leak and accumulate in your basement. Not only are floors wet, but the floodwater will increase humidity making even the dry areas vulnerable to mold. If you don’t start drying the world within 24 hours, mold will start to grow. Fortunately, there are many effective cleaning methods to urge your home to dry fast. One of them is to call us so we can do a professional job.
4. Wet Clothing: Do you exercise tons or have you ever just been available from the rain? Wet clothes are another culprit of mold in basement areas. If you throw your clothes within the basement hamper while they’re wet, mold can start to grow on them. Clean clothes that are left within the washer for each day or longer causes mold to grow on the garments and therefore the washer. The mold can spread from your clothes onto the ground, and in extreme cases, onto the walls of your basement. Always open up and dry your clothes to stay both them and your home free from mold.
5. Condensation: Excess condensation causes mold around windows, doors, cold pipes, and concrete floors. When these surfaces are cold, condensation will form. You’ll find a number of these to be particularly cold during the winter months. Areas with or near condensation are prime areas for mold growth. Carpet over concrete floors can cause mold in basement areas albeit you can’t see it.
6. Poor Ventilation and HVAC: A house with poor ventilation can cause moist stagnant air to supply mold in basement areas and your ventilation. Dirty filters in your HVAC system can house mold and mildew. Moisture gets into the air from steam made by cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Fans and ventilation in your home disperse the moisture to stop mold. However, when the ventilation isn’t working, mold can grow around bathroom fans and within the vents. Putting our best effort, we will make your home a safe place to live in.

Which Part to Insulate in the Basement?

There are three major places where insulation is effective: exterior wall, interior walls, and ceilings. The simplest insulation placement depends on how the basement is employed, also it depends on if the building is already existing otherwise you are constructing a replacement building.

• Wall insulation: Wall insulation is the most significant part of the basement insulation because the utmost amount of warmth is transferred through walls, especially if your surrounding climate is colder within the winter season.
• Ceiling insulation: A general thanks to insulating the ceiling of your building’s basement is fiberglass batt insulation. it’ll make the space within the basement much warmer and thermally stable.
• Floor insulation: once we start constructing a building, we confirm that the inspiration is robust and doesn’t allow any quiet leakage within the building.

Insulating the basement with different products:

Pros of Basement Insulation

• Staying Warm. Gaps, cracks, and poorly insulated walls permit valuable warmth to flee from home. If you set insulation in your walls and ceiling in your basement, it’ll boost comfort and cut heating costs. and through the winter, uninsulated walls don’t just create uncomfortable conditions in your basement, they will also make the primary floor unpleasantly cold.
• Moisture Issues. Ground moisture can enter the house through the inspiration walls. Closed cell SPF foam sprayed onto the within of a foundation can help to stop moisture intrusion through the walls. If fiberglass is the choice for the outside wall insulation, please make sure that the vapor barrier meets local code requirements.
• Prevents Freezing of Water Pipes. In areas where the mercury drops frequently, water pipes get frozen easily within the basements. Thus, basement insulation is the best and cost-effective solution.
• Reduces Energy Consumption. When you insulate the basement, there’s no place for warmth to flee. Thus, maintains the specified temperature within the building which further hampers the energy consumption during the variable climate.

How to Insulate Basement Walls

Spray foam

Spray foam is perhaps the simplest possible insulation material for basements and damp areas. Closed cell spray foam is ideal for locking “out” the water vapour that inherently wants to migrate from your damp basement walls to your finished basement rooms. Spray foam offers several benefits including additional structural stability, great vapor barrier, easily covers pipes, wires, and other utilities and it provides exceptional R values. The issues with spray foam are its a substantial tag (although this may recover with time) and it’s a really messy task. However, if you’ll afford the value and mess then this is often the last word insulation product. We at Eco Spray Insulation, use the best of the products to make sure that we approach the clients requests.

Foam Board

The next best basement insulation method is using foam board products. This is often the tactic that we use most frequently and it’s the tactic that the majority of DIY folks can handle. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than spray foam so it’s a beautiful alternative. There are many foam board products on the market so I suggest you read Foam Board Insulation Types and R Values for a fast education on the various products available. We have the best equipment and our professional team will be there for any request or advice.

The key to using the foam board is selecting the right thickness and sealing it properly to make an efficient vapor barrier. If you’re just getting to use foam board then you’ll presumably need 2 to 4 inches in thickness counting on local energy code requirements. I like to recommend sealing all the joints with Tyvek (or similar) house wrap tape. you’ll also use “Great Stuff” spray foam during a can to seal around all of your utilities and also along the rock bottom of the froth board. For more information on using foam board, I like to recommend you read the way to Insulate Basement Walls with Polystyrene Insulation.

Hybrid Foam & Fiberglass Insulation

The last method that we have used may be a hybrid system of froth board and fiberglass. This method is the least expensive yet I think it’ll perform well in basements that don’t have visual signs of water infiltration. This method shouldn’t be used if you’ve got a history of water, even small amounts.

In this method you’ll be installing a layer of froth board, sealing it as noted above. Then you’ll frame a wall (wood or steel as I don’t believe there’s much difference) ahead of the froth board. Finally, you’ll install fiberglass insulation within the stud cavities. Again the key here is to return up with the right R Value supported local energy codes. Based on our experience you shouldn’t use a vapor barrier over the fiberglass insulation during this method.

Questions and answers

Q: What quite a drywall should I exploit on my basement walls?

A: Drywall comes in special moisture-resistant varieties, including “green board” or green drywall and purple drywall. Either is superior for basement applications to the quality white drywall. If the basement is at high risk of flooding or regular high humidity, you’ll also want to think about cementitious products like smooth panels, or maybe galvanized metal or other modernistic finish materials.

Q: What is the best way to insulate basement walls?

A: The 5 basic categories of insulation include foam board, spray poly foam (SPF) insulation, fiberglass, cellulose, rockwool. In some cases, a hybrid of systems also can be effective, like fiberglass and spray foam used together.

Q: Is it important to insulate your finished basement?

A: Yes. Insulating below grade increases comfort, and provides HVAC savings and moisture control. Homeowners can save $390 on electrical costs per annum with a finished basement. And while the return on investment does take time, insulation upgrades actually offer a quicker payback than window replacements.

Q: What exterior insulation should I exploit for my basement?

A: Ideally, exterior insulation should be installed before backfilling walls. However, if permanent features like walks, driveways or patios make excavating the basement wall too costly, then foam board should run down several feet along the foundation’s outside wall then continue horizontally out from the vertical walls for 3’ to 5’.

Conclusion

Basement insulation is unquestionably a crucial factor to think about while insulating other parts of the building and particularly if that building is your comfy house. you would possibly think that thermal insulation may be a costly approach or investment but if you’re during a construction phase then it’ll not cost you much compared to the opposite investments. It surely enhances the lifespan of the building and reduces the post-maintenance costs. Live comfortably and save your energy consumption to scale back your expenses. The key to our success is that we put the needs of the client first, give them solutions, and get the work done in a timely and very efficient manner.

Why do basement walls in Mississauga need to be insulated?

We often find the basement not a very important part of our homes and we don’t bother to give it that extra care. Thinking of it as just a storage room we leave it as it is for years.

In most cases, the basement is located underground and that brings a natural coolness to it. Since no sun hits the walls the moisture can really affect and damage other parts of the house and the cost to fix that would be quite considerable.

Adding insulation in your basement walls in Mississauga will benefit your house as:

• Reducing heat loss indoors. When you heat your house in the wintertime, that heat when the insulation is applied won’t travel through.
• It will prevent freezing in the water pipes system.
• Protects other parts of the house from moisture.
• It will keep a constant temperature.
• Protects against insect infestation.

What are the pros of insulation your house walls?

When you start building a house or even when you consider reconstructing parts of it, always keep in mind why you should insulate the walls. And there are plenty of reasons why!

Noise barrier: As we all know living in an apartment complex or even in a private house with front and back yards, the noises that come from outside can sometimes be annoying. In this case insulating will help improve the acoustic inside your home.

Reducing energy consumption: When you heat or cool your house depending on the season we’re in, you consume energy, weather is electrical or any other kind. By insulating, the temperature inside every room will remain stable.

Money saver: By having a constant temperature indoors as a result of insulating the walls will benefit you with the energy bills and sometimes by insulating your basement that will transform it from a storage place to a more welcoming place and it will be an extra room in your house (again it benefits if you want to sell that house any day).

Controls moisture: As said before the basement is an underground room and the moisture that comes from the ground can travel through the basement walls, ceiling, and damage other walls inside the house. Insulating will improve this and prevent the damage.

What is the best way to insulate your basement?

Talking about insulating the basement there are two possibilities. One is exterior and one is interior. Us, at Eco Spray Insulation as a company, have come to the conclusion that the best and economical way to insulate the basements here in Mississauga is the interior way. What we do is spray a coat of spray foam inside the walls. This will insulate the house from moisture, noises, insect infestation, and will improve the temperature that you want to keep indoors. Our team will be careful enough to consider any cracks, moisture, or air leakage so the installation will go smoothly and the customer will be happy with the results.

Spray Foam insulation is the best choice

What is spray foam? Spray foam a product of two materials isocyanate and polyol resin when mixed together. This mix creates a reaction that looks like foam and it can expand up to 50 times its liquid volume after sprayed in place. This will close any crack that leads to air, moisture, and anything else entering the house. At Eco Spray Insulation, our priority is our customer. The team that we have is very professional and has every knowledge needed to complete decent work.  As the most requested way for basement insulation in Mississauga, we believe the spray foam way is the best option. As when you use it the benefits are a ton. You can save energy, money, and time. You won’t need to worry about moisture, air, or anything leaking from outside to inside. The spray foam insulation technology is the best investment you can make.

Everything starts from the bottom. Save your house by insulating your basement.

Enough with excessive thinking. Get in touch with Eco Spray Insulation for the best experience. Learn more about us and the benefits of home insulation. Our team will be more than happy to walk you through the process and make you comfortable enough to choose us. For more information contact us via email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca or by phone at +1 (416) 860-6664.

Walls

Basement walls are the best thing to insulate in a home. It should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces. Allowing interior air (that is usually full of moisture, especially in the summer) to touch cold surfaces will lead to condensation and mold.  

Floors

Basement floor slabs are best insulated underneath with rigid insulation: both extruded or expanded polystyrene are a success. Although the energy savings of sub-slab insulation are not as significant as basement wall insulation, it does have a significant improvement in comfort and moisture damage resistance.

Ceiling

Basically, you have two options: insulate your basement ceiling or insulate your basement walls.

Insulating your basement ceiling means the warm air from your interior floors to the basement is slowed down, lowering the temperature and raising your chances of moisture problems or frozen pipes in the winter. You also don’t save nearly as much money on your energy bill as you hope.

The right material for basement insulation.

Rigid foam insulation consists of boards made of solid foam insulation and covered on one side with a radiant barrier. Rigid foam boards are attached to basement walls to seal and insulate the space. By insulating basement walls instead of the basement ceiling, the basement space is brought inside the home’s building envelope. The basement becomes part of the building’s conditioned space, which means that it will be more comfortable. Basement wall insulation also protects hot water lines and HVAC ductwork in the basement from cold winter temperatures that compromise the performance of your hot water and heating systems.

Rigid foam is ideal for the basement environment because of its water resistance and durability. Rigid foam won’t be damaged by leaks or mold, ensuring you have a long lasting solution for your home.

How to Insulate Your Basement?

Step-by-Step Basement Insulation Installation

1. After the cement is set, apply a foam board adhesive to the rear of a polystyrene insulation panel. Then the second step is to press the panel to the wall.
2. Next, you should create a wood grid that will hold the drywall in the basement. 
3. The third step is to use a hammer drill and a 3/16-inch masonry bit, drill 5-inch holes through the 1×3 and into the concrete wall. This acts like a spring that tends to straighten out and anchor the spike into the concrete wall.
4. Once you have set the horizontal boards, screw vertical 1x3s to the horizontal 1x3s with 1 ⅝-inch drywall screws. This will create a vertical and horizontal gap for any future electrical wiring to be installed. Space the horizontal 1x3s 16 inches on center, and finish installing the vertical boards.
5. After all these steps your grid is in place, you can install your drywall. For basements, a moisture-resistant green board is best.

Insulate inside or outside?

Insulating on the outside is best, but it is often necessary to insulate from the inside for economical and practical reasons. Sometimes a combination of approaches is required. Examine the advantages of each approach carefully.

Insulating inside

This method will depend on a number of factors, including whether there are moisture issues, the need to account for moisture and air/vapour barriers, how you plan to use the space, and, finally, cost.

Advantages of inside insulation

• It can be incorporated into a plan to finish the basement.
• The work can be done at any time of the year and can be done one section at a time. Often all or part can be a do-it-yourself job.
• It is often 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

• Do not insulate a basement with moisture problems from the inside but if you have to, before taking measures to eliminate the moisture before adding insulation or your new walls will rot.
• Adding insulation to the inside will make the foundation walls even colder. This means air humidity will get in contact with the walls and lead to mold. 
• Obstructions such as electrical panels, wiring, plumbing, stairs, and partition walls make the work more difficult and the insulation and air barrier less effective. 

Insulating outside

This involves excavating around the foundation, waterproofing, and installing insulation. 

Advantages of outside insulation

• The outside wall tends to be more continuous and easier to insulate.
• You can effectively see and correct any moisture or structural problems (efflorescence, cracks, spalling and eroded mortar). 
• There is no disruption in the house, no interior work, and no inside space lost.
• Freeze-thaw stresses are eliminated, and frost is unlikely to penetrate down to the footings.
• The mass of the foundation is within the insulated portion of the house and will tend to even out temperature fluctuations.

Disadvantages of outside insulation

• Digging a trench around the house by hand can be difficult and risky.
• Storing the dirt can be a problem.
• Excavation cannot be done in winter and can be a problem in the spring.
• Features such as non-removable steps, paved carports, shrubbery, trees or fences can make the work difficult.
• Rubble or brick foundations could be partially supported by the soil.
• It is expensive to obtain high insulation levels, and the retrofit may detract from the appearance of the house.

Why is the insulation of the basement important?

If you insulate your basement in a proper way, it can save you money on heating and have a very comfortable living space. In a lot of cases, a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls it’s considered a conditioned space. The basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside, which makes basement wall insulation preferable to ceiling insulation.

In new construction, adding insulation on the exterior of the basement walls will do the following:

• Minimize thermal bridging and reduce heat loss through the foundation
• Protect the damp-proof coating from damage during backfilling
• Provide some protection against moisture intrusion
• Make the foundation part of the thermal mass of the conditioned space, thereby reducing interior temperature swings
• Reduce the potential for condensation on surfaces in the basement
• Conserve room area, relative to installing insulation on the interior.

In an existing home, adding insulation to the exterior of the basement walls is impractical. Interior basement wall insulation has the following advantages:

• It is much less expensive to install than exterior insulation for existing buildings.
• Almost any insulation type can be used.
• It eliminates the threat of insect infestation.
• No more cold floors in the winter
• Greater indoor temperature stability
• Reduced “stack effect”
• Lower heating & cooling costs
• Fewer indoor drafts

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