With proper insulation, you can keep your home more comfortable while saving energy.
Basements and crawlspaces can often be neglected when it comes to proper insulation. That’s a real shame, since they play an important role in the so-called “thermal envelope” that helps to regulate your home’s temperatures. By insulating these spaces, however, you can keep your home more comfortable while using less energy.
Project Overview
Tools and Materials:
- Utility knife
- Table or circular saw
- Caulk gun
- Measuring tape
- Lights
- Straight edge
- Markers
- Foam/caulk/construction adhesive compatible with insulation product
- Insulation—cavity batts, rigid insulation (foam board, etc., or two-part foam kit)
- Sheathing—code-approved foam boards
- Fasteners—screws with washers or button-capped nails, powder-actuated fasteners
Safety:
- Dust mask/respirator
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Kneepads
- Before installing insulation on your foundation walls, it’s important to make sure that the site has proper drainage. Make sure downspouts are directing water far away from the home’s foundation walls. Sump pumps in the crawlspace should be located at the lowest point in the crawlspace, and should discharge water away from foundation walls as well.
- Although foundation walls are typically made from masonry brick or poured concrete, it’s important to consider what method of insulation will work best for your particular needs, while also considering the overall cost.