Are you wondering why your basement smells different from the rest of your home? It might be because it’s not properly insulated. An uninsulated basement can lead to higher utility costs and condensation from air leaks. Poor insulation can also mean that your basement won’t stay cool during the next summer heat wave, leaving you with no cool place to escape the heat.
If you want to make your basement more comfortable and energy-efficient, spray foam insulation could be the answer. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using spray foam insulation for your basement walls, address common concerns, and provide tips on preparing your basement for insulation.
Is Installing Spray Foam Insulation in My Basement Worth It?
When it comes to insulating your basement, traditional batting insulation requires a perfect vapour and air barrier to prevent moisture from seeping into the walls. Over time, you may find that your basement has taken on a musty scent from poor insulation and condensation.
However, spray foam insulation is impermeable, isolating warm indoor air from the cold exterior walls. This makes it a superior choice for maintaining a consistent temperature in your basement.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation
- Long-term Energy Savings: Spray foam insulation reduces HVAC energy consumption and helps eliminate thermal bridging, resulting in more consistent temperatures throughout your home and lower energy bills.
- Increased Property Value: Spray foam insulation can increase your property’s value, making it a worthwhile investment for new and existing basement walls.
- Long-lasting Performance and Durability: Unlike traditional insulation materials, spray foam does not sag or lose shape over time, ensuring long-lasting performance and better indoor air quality.
- Versatile Use: Spray foam can provide comprehensive insulation on basement walls, ceilings, and around the rim joists.
- Water Resistance: Spray foam is water-resistant and helps reduce condensation, maintaining better indoor air quality and avoiding potential moisture buildup issues before they begin.
- High R-Value: Spray foam insulation has a high R-value, providing superior thermal resistance and enhancing overall home comfort.
Although spray foam insulation costs more upfront, it pays off with long-term energy savings and added home value.
Will Spray Foam Insulation Stop Water Leaks in the Basement?
It’s important to note that spray foam insulation is not a solution for existing water leaks. You need to repair any leaks before installing spray foam. Once leaks are fixed, spray foam can help keep out moisture from condensation, but it won’t stop a significant water flow.
How Do You Prep a Basement for Spray Foam Insulation?
Proper preparation is crucial for successfully installing spray foam insulation in your basement. To help you better prepare, follow along with our team at Thermo Solutions’ spray foam insulation process:
- Assessment: At Thermo Solutions, we believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with homeowners to ensure the best results. Once the basement walls are bare, our team will do an evaluation to determine the best approach to insulating your basement, including insulating around your electrical system. Before we begin, keep an eye out for any potential water damage that will need to be addressed before installing spray foam insulation.
- Preparation: All windows, doors, and outlets must be prepped to prevent the foam from seeping into unwanted areas.
- Application: Spray foam is applied around rim joists and concrete block walls before installing drywall. This method ensures the foam can get behind the studs to prevent thermal bridging.
Find the Best Time to Install Spray Foam
The ideal time to install spray foam insulation is when you’re working on an unfinished basement or completing a basement renovation. Once the framing is complete, the spray foam can be applied to maximize floor space for the finished product. It can be challenging to spray after the walls are built due to access issues with the joists.
No Wait Times for Spray Foam Insulation with Thermo Solutions
You don’t have to suffer through the next heat wave in Edmonton. At Thermo Solutions, we offer fast turnarounds from quoting to installation on all our insulation services. Enjoy no wait times today when you upgrade to spray foam insulation and experience the benefits firsthand.