Should I Insulate My Basement Ceiling and Walls?
So, you’ve got an unfinished basement. Perhaps it’s the section of your home where seasonal decorations and exercise equipment go to be ignored. Or maybe it’s just an empty space you walk through quickly because it’s bone-chillingly cold in the winter and too dank in the summer. If you’ve been contemplating making your basement more efficient and cozy, you’re probably asking yourself if insulating your basement ceiling and walls is worth it. The answer is most likely yes, but let’s dig into why that’s the case.
The Hidden Cost of an Unfinished Basement
If your basement is not finished or already insulated, you’re not just missing out on added living space; your home’s all-around efficiency is also taking a hit. Uninsulated basements make your heating and cooling system work overtime, driving up your energy costs.
You may believe the solution is to close up the basement air vents. But if the builder planned ahead, the company sized the heating and cooling system for the home’s total square footage, including the basement, so you could finish it one day without updating the HVAC equipment. This means if you close the vents, you’ll throw off the return-supply balance and make your furnace or air conditioner to work harder, resulting in the opposite of what you were hoping to achieve.
The good news is that insulating your basement can make your home more comfortable and may even reduce your energy bill. It’s a win-win!
The Ins and Outs of Insulating a Basement
A thorough insulation job involves more than simply installing some insulation on your walls or ceiling and calling it a day. Various kinds of insulation are available, each with pros and cons to think about. You have to also decide where insulation will be the most beneficial—in the walls or on the ceiling.
Insulating the Basement Walls
The majority of houses benefit from insulated basement walls. It’s like giving your home a cozy blanket to wrap around itself during cold weather, leading to serious energy savings. Insulating your walls also helps soundproof the space if you plan to install a home theater or other possibly loud features in the basement.
Note: If your basement is vulnerable to water damage or moisture, deal with these issues first. “Insulated” doesn’t mean “weatherproofed,” and wet insulation is a waste of money.
Insulating the Basement Ceiling
This determination as to whether to insulate your basement ceiling is not so easy to make. It’s true, insulating the ceiling makes the first floor of your home feel warmer, but it can also make your basement colder. If you plan on finishing your basement someday, you might not want to take this road. As a substitute, you could install ductwork and vents, if if you don’t already have those in your basement, to help balance the temperature. On the other hand, if your basement is just for storage, go ahead and insulate that ceiling!
Insulating the Basement Floor
You’ve looked into putting insulation in the basement ceiling and walls, but have you thought about the floor? If your house is in a cold-weather environment or you plan to spend a lot of time in your new basement space, insulating the floor is a practical move. An insulated subfloor topped with your choice of carpet, wood or composite flooring will make your winter movie nights or family get-togethers much better.
Types of Basement Insulation
There are multiple choices when it comes to insulating your basement. The most popular materials include:
- Spray foam: Great for walls and ceilings, spray foam plugs every single nook and cranny and also works as an effective air barrier.
- Foam boards: This adaptable option is appropriate for basement walls, ceilings and floors.
- Fiberglass batting: This commonly used insulation is optimal for filling the space between joists.
Basement Insulation R-Values
The R-value of an insulation material reflects its heat flow resistance. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation. Although local building codes include the minimum R-value recommended for your neighborhood, aim higher if you can for optimum efficiency. Here are some standard guidelines:
- An R-value of R-15 to R-19 is advisable for basement walls in most climates.
- An R-value of R-30 to R-60 is recommended for basement ceilings if you plan to insulate between an unfinished basement and the living space overhead.
More Tips for a Warm and Enjoyable Basement
Apart from insulating, you can do several other things to keep your home and basement comfy:
- Buy a smart thermostat
- Seal the windows and doors
- Hang insulating curtains
- Lay down area rugs
- Invest in radiant floor heating
- Run a dehumidifier
Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Insulation Needs
Whether you want to increase your home’s insulation or install other comfort-enhancing features, choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to solve your heating and cooling challenges. We offer excellent quality, know-how and peace of mind, with 24/7 availability and a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re prepared to take the next step in home comfort in Edmonton, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to request the services you need. Call 587-404-0790 today to learn how we can help!