How to Insulate a Basement

A basement can be the perfect place to make your home more comfortable. However, it might seem like constructing a complete remodel for your basement is an expensive prospect. When you consider that you can potentially save hundreds of pounds on heating and cooling costs each year by insulating your basement correctly, it’s not hard to imagine favouring basement insulation. Even if you’re tight on time and budget, it’s still possible to make a difference through basement waterproofing.

Look for Signs of Water Damage

If you think your basement may be damaged by water, there are a few signs to look for. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call in the experts.

Dampness

One of the most common signs of basement water damage is dampness in areas where moisture should not be present. If you notice that your basement has become unusually humid or smells musty, this may mean that it’s been exposed to moisture and has started to rot away.

Mould

Mould growth can spread quickly in basements that have been exposed to moisture for long periods of time. If you see any mould growing on walls or floors, this is another sign that your basement has been damaged by water damage.

Sagging Floors

As the foundation of your home deteriorates from exposure to moisture over time, it will start to sag away from its original position and may even begin leaning toward one side or another. This can lead to cracks in drywall and other structural issues throughout your home, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

Preventing Moisture from Entering Your Basement

Moisture in your basement can be an issue for several reasons. The most common is that the foundation walls are not adequately waterproofed, or that water has got into the ground and expanded its way up through the soil. In either case, there are certain steps you can take to prevent moisture from entering your basement and causing damage to your home.

First, check with a professional to see if there is an underlying problem like a leaky pipe or roof tear. If there is, get it fixed immediately!

Next, make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris so rainwater does not pool behind them before entering your house. It’s also important to have gutters that direct water away from the foundation walls of your house; this prevents moisture buildup at ground level where it can compromise integrity over time.

Finally, you may consider installing a waterproofing system such as a sump pump system in your basement if it hasn’t already been installed by previous owners or builders; these pumps automatically pump out excess water when levels get too high inside so no damage occurs externally (or internally).

Damp Proofing Your Basement

Damp proofing your basement is a good idea for many reasons. Basements are often the lowest point in your home, and as such, they’re susceptible to water infiltration from the ground. Water that seeps into your basement can cause mould and mildew growth, which can affect your health and the structural integrity of your home.

In addition, if you have a finished basement, it’s not just the structure of your home that’s at risk—it’s also the furnishings. If water gets into your furniture or carpets, it can cause permanent damage.

The first step in damp proofing your basement is to identify what kind of foundation you have. If you have a concrete slab foundation or if there’s only one wall separating the interior of your basement from the exterior, then you may only need to find out where all of the outlets are located so you can seal them off with caulk or putty tape.

If you have an unfinished basement with walls between rooms and an earthen floor (like most basements), then there are two steps you’ll need to take: find out where all of the outlets are located so that they can be sealed off with caulk or putty tape.

However, this simple trick may not completely remedy a leaky basement and stop all water ingress. Sourcing reliable and trustworthy basement waterproofing company to properly address damp-proofing can make long-term financial sense.

Possible Basement Repairs?

Basements can be subject to external water ingress from a number of different causes and they can also suffer from cracks in the walls due to movement over time. Any basement issues that can occur will need immediate attention to be repaired.

We always recommend contacting your local basement waterproofing specialists when you see a potential problem. However, we have outlined some of the problems that may occur that could negatively impact your basement’s ability to remain dry.

Failed Gutters And Downpipes

Ensure there is no debris blocking the removal of water in your gutters and there are no cracks or gaps in the gutters and downpipes. Water will always fall down due to gravity and this water will likely make its way towards your basement.

External Treeroots

Tree roots have the potential to seriously disrupt the external walls of your basement which can negatively affect the basement waterproofing systems set up. Make sure there are no tree roots growing against your external walls and contact a professional if you find there are.

Sump Pump Servicing and Maintenance

Sump pumps remove the water collected in a Type C waterproofing system and it is critical that these pumps are maintained correctly. Ensure your sump pump alarm is fully tested on a regular basis.

Burst Pipes and Broken Plumbing

Plumbing can fail at any time and burst pipes can cause huge damage to a dry basement conversion. It’s wise to check and maintain all the pipework you’re able to and to also call for aid if you spot this risk becoming a reality.

Waterproofing Your Basement From the Outside

You can waterproof your basement from the outside, but it takes a bit of work.

1. Check with local building codes to see if you need a permit or not. If you do, get one before you begin any work.
2. Clear out the area around where you’ll be working so that nothing gets in the way of your project, and make sure it’s safe to work there.
3. Apply a bead of tar to the bottom edge of each brick that will be touching the foundation walls by hand with a putty knife; this will help keep water from seeping underneath them and causing damage to your home’s structure over time as well as making it easier for water to drain away from those same areas instead of pooling up against them when heavy rains come along during storms or downpours happen during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing levels across many regions where people live year-round (especially those where climate change has caused winters to become colder than they once were).

We do stress, however, that the above suggestions are undertaken at your own risk and may not lead to the results you desire. APP are always on hand to help you achieve a dry and liveable basement with minimal fuss and no false economies.

Insulating Your Basement

Insulating your basement is a great way to save on energy costs, reduce the risk of mould and mildew, and improve the overall quality of your home.

Before you begin insulating your basement, be sure to check with a professional about any local codes or regulations that may apply in your area. You should also make sure that you have proper ventilation in place before beginning any insulation work.

If you have an unfinished basement and want to insulate it, there are several different methods you can use:

1. Foam board insulation: foam board insulation comes in sheets and rolls that you can cut to size. It’s easy to install and is great for new construction projects because it will not settle over time like other forms of insulation do. It’s also less expensive than other options such as fiberglass batts or cellulose insulation.
2. Fiberglass batts: fibreglass batts are more common than foam board insulation because they’re an inexpensive option that works well for most applications (such as walls or ceilings). They tend to have a higher R-value than other types of insulation (8-12), which means they provide better resistance from cold temperatures outside your home at night or during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing outside.

Follow these steps to insulate your basement

There are four steps to insulating your basement:

1. Clear out the area. Make sure that all of the items in your basement have been removed, so you have a clear space to work.
2. Install basement waterproofing membranes and insulation. You’ll want to place vapor barriers on the walls first, then put insulation on top of those. This will help keep moisture-laden air from getting into your walls and causing damage over time.
3. Cover up any exposed wood with a layer of plastic sheeting to protect it from moisture damage, then install drywall over that if desired (this is optional).
4. Finish with flooring and/or carpeting for a finished look!

But, of course, this should only really done by professional contractors like APP Protect. As experts in basement renovation we know exactly how to get the best results and we’re fully insured for everyone’s peace of mind.

Conclusion

Finishing a basement is an easy way to add living space and value to your home, but the prospect of certain home improvement projects can be intimidating for homeowners. One such project is learning how to insulate a basement, which requires specific knowledge on proper basement insulation. This how-to guide will walk homeowners through the process of insulating a basement and help them better understand this important home improvement project.

In the end, you may decide to hire a professional because insulating your basement is not within the scope of your experience or comfort zone. As basement waterproofing specialists with over 50 years of experience, we would recommend this approach.