The winters are no joke here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and we are bound to have more uncomfortably cold days before the spring arrives! You’re going to want a warm, energy-efficient home throughout this season.
For this reason, perhaps you’re looking into insulation. It’s a great solution for maximizing your home’s year-round comfort and helping you save money, but where do you insulate? The attic is a no-brainer, but the lower levels of your home (basement/crawl space) are important as well.
Best Insulation for a Basement Ceiling: Closed-Cell Spray Foam
The best tip to keep in mind when it comes to basement insulation is moisture control. To this end, a material such as closed-cell spray foam, which helps provide a water vapor barrier. All this said, keep in mind that insulating the walls (rather than the ceiling) may be the better solution. In new construction projects, exterior walls should be insulated. For retrofit jobs, interior basement wall insulation is ideal:
- Almost any insulation material can be used.
- Basement wall insulation helps prevent insect infestation.
- Wiring, vents, ductwork and the like often located in basement ceilings can cause leaks and other problems.
- Insulating the walls is an efficient and effective solution since the difference in temperature between the outside and your basement tends to be greater than the difference between the rest of your house and your basement. Even in a house with an unconditioned basement, the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside!
Learn more about basement insulation from the Department of Energy website »
Basement FAQ From Homeowners
When trying to decide if you should insulate your basement, you may have many questions. We have taken some of our frequently asked questions about basement insulation.
How Do I Find Out How Much Insulation I Already Have in My Basement?
To find out how much insulation you have, you can have an energy audit performed on your basement. If you have no insulation in your basement, you know who to contact!
What is an R-Value?
The R-Value refers to the resistance a material has to heat flow or temperature conduction. When a product or home has a high R–Value, this means it is well insulated. Different installed locations will require a different R-Value, which is why it is important to have experts come out and inspect your home.
Will Insulation in my Basement Prevent Heat Loss?
Yes, putting insulation in your basement will prevent heat loss since it keeps the warmer air in. The basement and crawl space of your home will prevent significant loss of cool air in the summer.
Insulation & Waterproofing: The Ultimate Solution
Remember how we mentioned moisture control? Because basements often have issues with water intrusion, humidity and mold, waterproofing is extremely important. Your home will be in the best condition if you use both insulation and basement waterproofing. The professionals at Metro Home Insulation & Waterproofing use Watchdog and TUFF-N-DRI sprayed waterproofing solutions and offer socked interior and exterior drain tile as well. We serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, including Bloomington, and surrounding areas in Minnesota such as St. Cloud
Improved home energy efficiency and comfort often starts with the basement. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your home either online or by calling us at (763) 400-8616.
