Is fiberglass insulation OK for basement?

Remember, fiberglass does NOT resist moisture, so it's generally a no-no when insulating basements. You can reduce the risk of moisture issues if you first cover the concrete with a continuous layer of rigid foam or closed-cell spray foam.

What type of insulation should be used in a basement?

Common types of insulation used as interior basement insulation include batt or blanket, glass fibre loose fill, polyurethane spray and rigid plastic board.

What is the best insulation for basement concrete walls?

Rigid foam insulation is the material of choice for insulating against foundation walls in basements. You have two options with rigid foam: rigid foam only or rigid foam with a stud wall system.

What type of fiberglass insulation in basement walls?

If you are going to install fiberglass, I would recommend first installing rigid foam insulation against the wall (instead of having an air space). This will offer some thermal, air, and vapor control. Tape the seams and air seal the perimeter of the sheets.

Can I use R13 insulation in basement walls?

For walls, r13 insulation is a good choice in most instances, and because your basement is below the ground, there's some natural protection from the earth around it. What you do need to check is that your vapor barrier is up to scratch with no holes or damage.

Foundation Insulation Effectiveness: Fiberglass Drainage Boards

What R-value is best for basement?

The Model Energy Code recommends R-11 insulating values for basement walls in most of the country and R-15 for the northernmost states.

Do you need vapor barrier in basement with insulation?

If the basement walls are insulated from the outside, a vapor barrier is not required. Otherwise, it can be dangerous as it can trap moisture in moisture-vulnerable areas.

Do rodents like fiberglass insulation?

Fiberglass batts may be popular, but they're certainly not ideal for people who want to keep pests away. Fiberglass batts come in thick, squishy sheets that are very inviting to rodents and other pests who want somewhere cozy to settle down and call home.

Is it OK to insulate basement walls?

Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.

Is R 15 insulation Good for basement walls?

Both R13 and R15 insulation shine in terms of applicability, as both insulations can be used in walls, floors, and ceilings. Moreover, both insulations work well with 2 x 4 walls, as there's usually about 3.5 inches of space behind these walls—plenty of space for both insulations.

What should I use to insulate my basement walls?

Closed-cell spray foam is the best way to insulate concrete basement walls. This is because it can achieve a higher R-value, along with excellent moisture resistance, with less thickness required. It can fill in all the gaps and spaces thoroughly, giving you the best protection against moisture and air infiltration.

What is the cheapest way to insulate basement walls?

The smart and inexpensive way to insulate joist bays is to use extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation panels cut to size to fit inside the bay and "glued" in with expanding foam. When the expanding foam hardens, trim away the excess and cover the foam with a piece 1/2" thick drywall to meet fire code.

Will insulating basement make house warmer?

Proper basement insulation can significantly reduce heat transfer. In turn, this keeps the central part of the home comfortable without running the heat more often. The house becomes more energy-efficient, and homeowners pay less in energy costs.

How do you insulate a basement to prevent mold?

Install two inches of rigid insulation board directly against concrete. It is easiest to attach it to the wall with a couple of concrete nails or even some adhesive while you frame walls. Frame an interior 2x4 stud wall at 24 inch centres, pressed tightly against the foam panels.

Is spray foam insulation better than fiberglass basement?

When it comes to which is best in the spray foam insulation vs. fiberglass debate, spray foam wins, hands down. If you're a DIY-er, you may be used to installing fiberglass insulation. But if you're looking for something that will last a lifetime, let a professional install spray foam.

What is the best insulation for basement 2x4 walls?

Insulation for 2x4 Walls

In most wall applications, you will use R-13 or R-15 kraft-faced fiberglass insulation rolls for these two-by-four stud walls. While rated differently, these two types of insulation are close enough in thickness that they can both fit into modern two-by-four wall systems.

Does basement insulation get moldy?

Mold growth on insulation is usually a sign that there is a moisture issue on or near your insulation. If you see mold on your crawlspace or basement insulation, for example, there could be water drainage issues or excess humidity lingering in the crawlspace or basement.

How much difference does basement insulation make?

Greater indoor temperature stability. Reduced “stack effect” Lower heating & cooling costs. Fewer indoor drafts.

Can you put insulation against concrete?

The next best way to insulate a concrete wall is with rigid foam boards. This is the most popular method because it's so DIY friendly and cost effective. Rigid foam is a great insulator, R-2 to R-6 per inch on average, and water resistant. I recommend you tape and caulk all the seams once the boards are installed.

Can termites live in fiberglass insulation?

Termites are not normally found in fiberglass insulation but they are commonly found in foam board insulation, especially if the foam board goes below grade on the exterior of a structure. Foam board below grade allows a direct conduit through the insulation into a structure.

Do termites like fiberglass insulation?

Besides paper and wood, termites can even damage insulation with fiberglass. A study carried out in Florida revealed that termites could infest and damage a home's insulation until its efficiency in terms of warming goes down by 75 percent.

Do mice make nests in fiberglass insulation?

Mice Love Fiberglass Insulation!

We have the photo evidence to prove it. It's clear that fiberglass is one of mice preferred construction materials. They nest in it, hallow it out, use it as a bathroom and along the way, destroy it!

Should basement insulation go to the floor?

Ideally, you want to have rigid foam insulation in a basement against all the outside walls and the floor — a minimum of two inches on the walls and one inch on the floor. All rigid foam insulation is mould and mildew resistant. It won't hold moisture, even if you had a flood in your basement.

Should I put plastic behind drywall in a basement?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Can I leave insulation exposed in basement?

"Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association," says ALA's Godfrey. "Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.