Basement Insulation

Basement Insulation Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville

Reasons to insulate the basement

Basement insulation is sometimes a controversial option when it comes to household insulating, as many people believe that as heat rises it is mainly lost through the loft and ceiling. Although this may be true basement insulation is crucial to help further reduce energy loss.

There are many advantages to insulating the basement as a large amount of heat loss can be accounted for in this area. It can be difficult to choose the right option for insulation as the results will depend on the type of footings and walls in each house. It is also important to make sure you install the insulation correctly, or else you most likely have a problem with dampness, mold, and mildew.

The consideration of basement insulation should be done taking the advantages and disadvantages into account. The subject of moisture control is the most vital aspect to address as you do not want to create a damp or unhealthy environment in your home or property. There are many different options available for insulating the basement area including exterior wall insulation, interior wall insulation, basement ceiling insulation and floor insulation.

Basement wall Insulation

Wall insulation in the basement is often the most preferred option over ceiling insulation as it is directly connected to the exterior. This has many advantages such as the initial reduction of transference into the basement; it also protects the interior from condensation problems as the difference in temperature between the air in the room and the walls is reduced. One of the main disadvantages of exterior wall insulation is that it can be costly, and due to the fact that it is directly connected with the outside elements it can be susceptible to insect infestation and mold and mildew formation. Also installation on existing buildings can be difficult and if not performed correctly can be ineffective.

Interior wall insulation is a much cheaper option and can be done in a variety of ways. The main problem with this type of insulation is that if there is any moisture seeping in through the walls (as there often is) then this can cause great problems as the insulation can become saturated in moisture. Insulation saturated in moisture can create a hazardous environment that is perfect for mold and mildew to grow. It is therefore advisable that a professional be called to take on such projects and ensure it is done properly. Contact us for a free estimate.

Choices of Insulating Material

The main options available for interior wall and floor insulation in a basement are blanket insulation, sprayed foam insulation, loose-fill insulation, rigid insulation boards, and insulating concrete blocks.

Blanket insulation is done by creating a stud wall area with a cavity in it. This cavity is then filled with blanket insulation. There are a number of different blanket fibre materials to choose from which include fibre glass and rock mineral wool. There are different insulation ratings attached to each material and for the best performance, you must choose the highest rated material.

Rigid insulation boards can either be laid straight onto the existing wall or floor in order to create an insulating barrier. They can also be used in conjunction with the blanket insulation to create a double layer of insulation. The boards can be made from a variety of materials such as polyurethane, fibre glass or polystyrene. Again, these come with different energy ratings depending on their performance.

Loose-fill insulation is installed using small fibres or particles that are applied using special equipment. They are blown into the crevices and gaps creating fully sealable spaces. It is a great option for using in places where other insulation methods may be difficult to install.

Sprayed foam insulation is often the best choice for any insulation project; it can be used on walls and floors, and is especially good to prevent moisture entering the area. It will need to be installed by a professional. Sprayed foam insulation is well worth the extra costs. It has many advantages over other solutions. It is flexible and can be installed in difficult to reach areas or uneven spaces. And as it has the ability to prevent moisture and air infiltration.

Insulating concrete blocks are very energy efficient option and are also great for reducing noise infiltration. They are easy to use and install and are resistant to fire and moisture which means they are less likely to suffer from mold or mildew problems.

The main reason for choosing to insulate our basements is to reduce the loss of heat and energy and create a warm and cosy environment to live or work in. A massive 35% of energy loss can be caused by not choosing to insulate your basement. Deciding to provide an adequate and suitable form of insulation that is right for your specific environment can help cut energy loss and creates massive savings on your utility bills. To maximize the energy savings it will be advisable not only to to invest in insulating your basement but also attic insulation.

Remember FoamIt for basement insulation services in Toronto, Oakville, and Mississauga. Call us today.