5 Important Things to Know When Insulating Basement Walls

5 Important Important Things to Know Things to Know When Insulating Basement Walls When Insulating Basement Walls

1. All moisture issues should be dealt with before insulating basement walls. 1. All moisture issues should be dealt with before insulating basement walls. Conduct a dampness test by taping a small piece of plastic sheeting to a bare concrete wall for 48 hours. Check the interior and exterior of the plastic sheet for condensation. If present, take proper steps to rectify the issue first. Conduct a dampness test by taping a small piece of plastic sheeting to a bare concrete wall for 48 hours. Check the interior and exterior of the plastic sheet for condensation. If present, take proper steps to rectify the issue first.

2. Rigid foam is often the best option for DIYers. 2. Rigid foam is often the best option for DIYers. Rigid foam comes in sheets that are easy to measure, cut, and install. It is also water-resistant, so it’s less likely to retain moisture. Rigid foam comes in sheets that are easy to measure, cut, and install. It is also water-resistant, so it’s less likely to retain moisture.

3. Installation methods include furring strips or a standard 2×4 wall system. 3. Installation methods include furring strips or a standard 2×4 wall system. Be sure to check your local building code to determine if a vapor barrier is also required with either method. Be sure to check your local building code to determine if a vapor barrier is also required with either method.

4. All gaps in the insulation should be sealed. 4. All gaps in the insulation should be sealed. Small cracks or holes in the insulation can create cold spots along the basement wall. To avoid condensation, use expanding foam to fill crevices that are too small for rigid foam board. Small cracks or holes in the insulation can create cold spots along the basement wall. To avoid condensation, use expanding foam to fill crevices that are too small for rigid foam board. *BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

5. Most building codes require a thermal barrier when insulating basement walls. 5. Most building codes require a thermal barrier when insulating basement walls. A thermal barrier is typically a ½-inch or greater piece of gypsum wallboard, drywall , or some type of equivalent. A thermal barrier is typically a ½-inch or greater piece of gypsum wallboard, drywall , or some type of equivalent.

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