For maximized energy efficiency, insulation is needed in every area of a home. This includes the foundation (slab floors, basements, crawl spaces, etc.). How should your home’s foundation be insulated? Keep reading to learn more!
Insulating the Foundation: Basements, Crawl Spaces & Concrete Slabs
For a truly energy-efficient and comfortable home, everything from the foundation to the attic needs proper amounts of insulation. The following areas should be insulated:
- Foundation walls above ground
- Foundation walls in heated basements
- Slab floors built directly on the ground
- Foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces (as an alternative to floor insulation)
A properly insulated home foundation helps reduce energy costs, keep below-grade rooms (like basements) more comfortable and prevent moisture problems insect infestation. In new construction projects, concrete forms and blocks are often insulated—this provides both foundation structure and insulation. Many builders also insulate foundation wall exteriors before backfilling. The ideal type of foundation insulation varies by climate.
Learn more on the Department of Energy’s website »
Basement Insulation
The lower level of your home holds a lot of potential for energy savings, even if it’s unfinished and you never use it. Basement insulation also helps reduce heat loss through the foundation and protect against moisture and insect infiltration.
Crawl Space Insulation
Crawl spaces can be ventilated or unventilated and how they are insulated depends on how they’re built. For unventilated crawl spaces, it’s best to insulate the walls—this keeps piping and ductwork within the conditioned volume of the house so they don’t require insulation for energy efficiency or protection against freezing. The crawl space must be airtight with the air barrier maintained to help protect against water, insects and rodents. Crawl space insulation is important no matter how it’s built.
Slab-on-Grade Insulation
In most areas across the country, insulating the exterior edge of a slab can reduce heating bills by up to 20 percent. During home construction process, insulation—usually rigid foam—is installed either directly against the exterior of the slab and footing before backfilling or under the slab and along the inside of the stem wall of the foundation.
Seattle Area Foundation Insulation Contractors
No matter what your project entails, let Pacific Partners Insulation North help you finish on time and on budget. From batt insulation to blown-in insulation to spray foam, we offer it all. Contact us online or call 360-386-6143!
