You will need to properly insulate your basement in order to keep it dry. There are different types of basement insulation available. Some of them are Closed-cell SPF (styrene polyurethane foam), Extruded polystyrene (XPS), Foamular (EPS), and Fiberglass. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of basement insulation.
Closed-cell SPF
Closed-cell SPF basement insulation is an excellent alternative to rigid-board basement insulation. Unlike open-cell insulation, which can become warped and deteriorated, closed-cell SPF will prevent future problems. The spray foam can be installed inside the formwork and beneath reinforcing bars. After the SPF has been sprayed, concrete can be poured over it to form a tight seal.
Closed-cell SPF has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch. It uses high-quality blowing agents to increase the R-value. It also minimizes drafts, improves indoor air quality, and reduces mold growth in buildings. Its excellent insulation efficiency reduces heating and cooling costs. Moreover, it won’t settle, reducing construction costs.
Another advantage of CCSPF is that it acts as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture and mold from escaping from the house. It’s also good for sealing cracks and crawl spaces, and can qualify for a non-business energy property tax credit. Its quick-drying quality makes it the best choice for basement insulation. It also doubles as a vapor barrier, protecting walls from the moisture in the air.
Closed-cell SPF is more expensive per board foot, but its higher R-value will offset the cost. Closed-cell SPF also has better resistance to leaks. However, it’s more expensive per R than open-cell SPF, and you may want to consider other performance qualities as well.
When choosing between open-cell SPF and closed-cell SPF, consider the type of basement insulation you want. Closed-cell SPF offers better moisture barrier and vapor-permeable properties. Both types are effective for basement walls, but closed-cell is the better choice if you live in a warm climate.
This type of SPF is not for the novice do-it-yourselfer. You’ll need specialized training and special equipment to safely spray this type of foam. Remember to wear protective gear and use a respirator when working with SPF. It’s best to hire a professional contractor to install the system.
Closed-cell SPF is the best choice for basement insulation because it has higher R-value per inch. It can also fit into narrow spaces and offers a higher impact resistance. While closed-cell SPF costs more, it’s worth the cost in terms of a lifetime investment.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS)
Extruded polystyrena (XPS) basement insulation provides superior load-bearing performance and can be installed either inside or outside a basement structure. XPS is resistant to moisture, soil pressure, and decay, and it can effectively reduce thermal bridging.
XPS insulation has better thermal properties than EPS, which is why it is often used in areas where density is a factor. Although XPS is less dense, it provides the same level of insulation at a lower price. However, it is flammable, so you should be sure to purchase the appropriate amount of coverage.
Another advantage of XPS is its mold and water-resistance. Other types of basement insulation, such as drywall and fiberglass, will retain water and allow mold to grow. Fortunately, this kind of damage is usually caught early and can be corrected by replacing the damaged areas. Extruded polystyrenе (XPS) foam board, on the other hand, has the drawback of being relatively thick, and retaining moisture for a long time.
XPS basement insulation has a permeance rating that is a measure of its water vapor permeability. A lower perm rating means a lower water vapor transmission rate. Water is an excellent conductor of heat, so a lower perm rating means less water will permeate the foam board. XPS foam board also offers fairly constant thermal resistance even at low perm levels.
XPS foam board is an energy-efficient building material. In fact, it saves a lot of energy over the lifetime of a building. According to the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association, XPS manufacturing plants produce no waste. Moreover, XPS foam boards are recyclable and re-usable.
XPS basement insulation can be installed by covering walls with polyisocyanurate foam boards and attaching them with polyurethane caulk and builder’s tape. It is important to apply the foam board in a zigzag pattern. Afterwards, apply polyurethane caulk to the floor and the connections between the boards.
Foamular (EPS)
If your basement has a high humidity level, consider using foamular (EPS) insulation. This type of insulation will quickly dry and restore its original performance. This type of insulation is more effective at preventing water from entering the basement than standard XPS. It also offers excellent moisture resistance, which is a major benefit if your basement is susceptible to flooding.
Foamular insulation comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be shaped by a molding process. After being molded, EPS insulation is packaged and shipped. It is often covered in plastic film facers, which can give it reflective properties and enhanced rigidity. Some of the manufacturers will also print the brand name of the product on the film. The cost of EPS insulation is generally lower than other types.
This type of foam is best suited for walls, basements, and cement slabs. Its low R-value makes it the most economical choice. However, it can be vulnerable to moisture, so you should check with the manufacturer before purchasing this type of insulation. If you’re unsure, look for denser varieties.
Another type of foam insulation is polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam board. Unlike EPS, XPS foam board is made from recycled materials. It’s available in face and unfaced varieties. It’s easy to recognize these two types by their bright colors. Both types of EPS and XPS foam boards are vapor barrier-compatible.
R-values are important factors to consider before insulating your basement. The R-value of your walls is a function of the per-inch thickness of your foam. In the United States, R-values of basement walls should be R-10 or higher. If you live in a colder area, R-15 or higher will be most beneficial.
Another option is to use rigid foam board, which is sold in large sheets. This type of foam is perfect for basement insulation, since it can be strategically installed between exposed studs. This type of foam can also be treated with air barriers to prevent moisture from migrating through air currents.
Fiberglass insulation
Before attempting to install fiberglass insulation in your basement, you should take a few precautions. First, you should remove the existing insulation and dispose of it properly. Then, you should clean and scrub the walls using a combination of water and a detergent. Specifically, you should use 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. You can also use a borate-based detergent. However, you should avoid rinsing the solution off the walls.
Fiberglass insulation is a material that is made up of tiny glass fibers. It helps regulate the temperature of a building and offers strong soundproofing properties. However, this type of insulation is not recommended for walls in a basement, as it tends to trap moisture, which can lead to water damage and mold. But, it can be a good choice for ceilings. Another disadvantage of fiberglass insulation is that it can be harmful to human health if inhaled or touched. For this reason, it is important to use proper safety gear when handling this type of insulation.
You should also use a plastic moisture barrier over the concrete before installing fiberglass in your basement. A plastic moisture barrier will prevent moisture from getting into your basement. Once the moisture barrier has been installed, you can install the fiberglass in the stud walls. You can also hang four feet of plastic-faced fiberglass from the basement’s sill to reduce the amount of heat loss in the highest area. Plastic-faced fiberglass is available at most lumber yards.
While fiberglass insulation is commonly used for basement walls, a more effective choice is rigid foam board. Its rigid design means that it can withstand more moisture than fiberglass does. This is the material of choice for basement walls and exterior walls that touch masonry. It also works well as a thermal barrier beneath radiant floor heating systems.
Fiberglass insulation has several downsides. First, it absorbs moisture from the air outside the basement. This can promote mold growth. Secondly, it can increase the chance of leaks in your basement. Fiberglass insulation also tends to lose its R-value as it becomes saturated. As it loses its R-value, it also encourages the growth of mold.