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If you’re
planning to renovate your home this year, the basement is a great
place to start!
Up to 30% of
your home heating is lost through a non-insulated basement. This
loss is higher if the foundation wall has deteriorated windows are
leaky or if there’s a gap between the foundation and above-ground
walls. By addressing these weak spots, you will save energy and
reduce your heating costs.
Where do I
begin? Any renovation project requires careful planning. The first
step is to assess your basement. Check for signs of moisture or
structural problems such as blistering paint, staining, mold
growth or cracks in the foundation wall.
Before the work
begins, a proper environment must be created. Ensure leakage paths
– such as at the sill plate where the foundation meets the wood
frame – or around penetrations (such as openings for gas lines,
electrical outlets, etc.) are sealed. All water leaks from the
outside must be corrected, which may require excavating, damp
proofing and installing a drainage system. These are major
procedures that rely on good weather and may be costly and
difficult to perform. You may want to consider hiring a
professional.
Once you are
sure the basement is leak free, you can start the process of
installing insulation. The following questions are those most
commonly asked:
Do I insulate
from the exterior or interior?
If you plan to
tackle a moisture or structural problem from the outside, it makes
sense to insulate from this side as well. Doing so will provide a
warm protective shield for your foundation wall. It is more common
to insulate from the inside especially if you face no problems
with water or structure. Insulating from the interior is easier,
less expensive, will not disturb the landscape and may be
completed at any time of the year.
Special care
should be taken when insulating between floor joists. This area is
full of weak spots, such as the sill plate, vent openings or areas
where your utilities come in, and can be difficult to insulate.
Should I
moisture proof the basement wall?
Even if your
basement walls have a history of being dry, the Alberta Building
Code requires a moisture barrier. If you’re insulating from the
inside, cover the foundation wall approximately two thirds from
the floor to the ground or grade level, with polyethylene plastic
sheets. These sheets will be behind the insulation. Then place an
air vapour barrier, also made of polyethylene, on top of the
insulation.
What type of
insulation should I use?
This will
depend on whether you are insulating from the inside or outside.
Fiberglass, mineral wool batts and different kinds of rigid foam
boards are suitable for the interior basement walls. If you’re
insulating from the inside, be sure that no air space is left
between the insulation and the wall to avoid condensation.
Different rigid foam board systems are available that will
eliminate the need for a stud structure. Extruded polystyrene,
high-density bead boards and special fiberglass insulation are
designed specifically for exterior walls.
What’s a
suitable R-Value for insulation?
In Alberta, the
recommended insulation levels for basement walls are valued
between R12 and R20 (RSI 2.1-3.5). Planning a basement renovation
may seem a little overwhelming. However, understanding the
situation and knowing your options can put your mind at ease. So
don’t be surprised if making your basement more comfortable and
energy efficient turns out to be a gratifying endeavor! |
