Thursday, December 13, 2012

Progressive Basement Insulation Methods Bring Many Positive Results

New living spaces are created when homeowners insulate their cellars. An added advantage is the ability to bring down the price of energy consumption. If improvements are not made the cold air below the ground level and the warm air above mingle and result in condensation. Spore growth will ensue causing rotting of the wooden frames. This contaminated air will also eventually cause health problems. Homeowners can choose from a wide selection of basement insulation methods. Learning the best alternatives will provide dividends in the end.

It requires patience to visit the basement repeatedly and discover what the pros and cons are. Taking time to investigate the below ground situation will bring in dividends that will prove to be advantageous in the future. Older basements may not be very appealing to evaluate but if one chooses to do this when the weather is not too hot or cold, the process will be less uncomfortable.

The three kinds of basement insulation are rigid foam, blanket and polyurethane spray. These have been designed for different cellar conditions so the homeowner must make a needs assessment to decide on the best system. Once a needs assessment is completed a decision is made whether to do it yourself or have a contractor do the renovation.

When placing a priority on insulating their basement research homeowners find that the initial investment will not take long to recover. The entire house benefits from the energy savings that the new climate controlled cellar has to offer.

The highest RSI value per millimeter is the rigid foam system. It also requires little space so straight walls are perfect for foam panels. The exterior walls should have two inches of stiff foam attached to them and one inch should be placed on the floor. The pieces fit tightly together while a special glue adheres them onto the wall and floor surfaces. After taping the seams are spray foamed. Nailing strips may also be used. Studs are fastened to them and on top of the studs a moisture resistant wall of drywall is attached.

There are two ways to build the new wall. It can be built flush using 2×4 inch lumber or it can be extended from the original wall by two inches. This creates an additional ventilation space that reduces moisture.

If the walls are uneven or if they have moisture problems the spray foam is the best basement insulation. This product must be installed by a certified installer. The foam is evenly distributed and covered by a fire-resistant layer of material. This requires special training, equipment and clothing and an experienced eye. Spray foam tends to expand so it is important not to spray too much.

Windows will have to be treated with foam around the frame to keep out air. Insulating material also must be applied around water pipes. The pipes must be moved away from the wall. Insulating Basement methods can be applied to the windows too. Since a lot of air comes in and goes out via the windows, homeowners should change them for insulated ones. This will help save in energy costs.

The leader in green Basement Insulation Methods, gives you a energy-efficient way to finish and insulate basements.

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