Rigid Block Foam Insulation

Rigid foam block insulation is a popular and efficient method of insulating buildings. It is typically used in the form of rigid foam board panels, which are placed between the exterior and interior walls of the building to provide thermal insulation. The foam board panels are typically nailed or screwed to the wall studs using expansion anchors, or in some cases, screws or nails are inserted into the foam boards directly and they are then nailed or screwed to the wall studs.

Insulating inside

When installing in a basement, the choice of rigid insulation board and drywall is available, rather than a wood frame wall and fiberglass batt insulation. There are a number of factors that affect your choice of method, including the presence of moisture, the need to account for air/vapour barriers, how you plan to use the space, and cost.

Advantages of inside insulation

• It can be incorporated into a plan to finish the basement.
• Installing block foam insulation can be done at any time of the year and can be done one part at a time.
• It is often easier and cheaper to insulate the full wall and achieve high insulating values.
• Landscaping or driveway will not be disturbed.

Disadvantages of inside insulation

Don’t insulate a basement that has problems with the inside. If you have to, you need to eliminate the humidity before adding insulation. Adding insulation to the inside will make the walls colder. The cold walls will make any humid air condense.

As they develop, the interior finishes hide the problems. People are less likely to fix a problem if they have to remove finishing that they have erected. The work is harder due to obstructions such as electrical panels, wiring, plumbing, stairs and partition walls. If part of the basement wall is already finished, it may be difficult to remove and re- install.

Block foam insulation on the outside

You can insulate on the outside, but you may have to insulate from the inside for economical and practical reasons. The advantages of installing insulation on the outside of the foundation walls include:

• It reduces the amount of heat loss coming from the foundation.
• It protects the waterproofing from being damaged during filling.
• The barrier of protection around the foundation reduces the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle.
• The amount of space required for internal insulation is reduced.

Sometimes you may have to combine approaches. Examine the advantages of each approach carefully. Then give one of our professional insulation contractors a call to discuss your insulation project .