Should You Insulate Concrete Basement Walls

Shouldn t i insulate my basement freezing damage another factor is the potential for freezing damage.

Should you insulate concrete basement walls.

Insulation materials are the key the key to successfully insulating basement walls is selecting insulating materials that stop moisture movement and prevent mold growth. Foam and water do not mix. The answer is yes you should. Concrete rubble mortar and brick especially older brick can be susceptible to damage in the freeze thaw cycle.

That s because any insulation you might install on say the walls would potentially get ruined with excessive moisture. An excellent question. I still believe you should insulate when you finish your basement. Basement walls made out of concrete stone concrete bloc and other masonry foundation materials have very minimal insulating properties and cause approximately 20 of heat loss in a home.

Many people will argue that basement insulation is not important because the foundation temp stays a constant 55 degrees and the wind does not blow 8 feet underground. Closed cell spray foam is the best way to insulate concrete basement walls. So you must assume that your concrete is fully saturated and full of water in order to properly insulate your basement walls. If you insulate the foundation the outside will be colder.

This is because it can achieve a higher r value along with excellent moisture resistance with less thickness required. Insulation is vital for concrete basement walls the basement hold the house s furnace water heaters laundry machines and essential utilities. Because they are naturally located below ground level basements are mostly cool and damp. Foam insulation for instance is a common material for basement walls.

But if you insulate the concrete will remain cool and moisture could will condense on them and rundown to the floor behind the finished wall i finished a basement in il blacksmith37 dec 21 17 at 17 51.