Reasons to Insulate Basements

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A cozy home is a wonderful thing during the cold New England winters and the sweltering summer. A cozy home begins in the basement.

Basements can account for about 25 percent of a home’s total heat loss. The large, uninsulated surface area below ground level can allow significant air leakage. An insulated basement plays a vital role in a home’s insulation system– keeping cool air in during the summer and keep a home warmer during the cooler months. 

A properly insulated basement boosts comfort, cuts energy bills, and reduces drafts.

Basement insulation has other benefits, including:

  • Safeguarding home’s structural integrity by preventing moisture damage
  • Protecting exposed pipes and HVAC systems from extreme temperature swings causing them to burst or breakdown
  • Filling-in openings to keep mice and other rodents from entering the home
  • Delivering noise control to dampen the sounds from a mechanical or utility room

Common basement insulation options include:

  • Fiber glass insulation
  • Foam board, or rigid board insulation
  • Sprayfoam insulation

Each type of insulation has its strengths when installed properly. Choosing the best way to insulate will depend on the design of basement and how the basement is used. 

Contact us! We’ll come to you to inspect the issues in your basement, discuss your goals on its use, and provide the best possible insulation solution for your budget.

 

 

 

Some Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Insulation

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Greenstamp is best known for spray foam insulation, but as building envelope and insulation specialists, we know the pros and cons of all types of insulation.

Fiberglass insulation is a popular option for insulating homes. It’s affordable and relatively quick and easy to install. Three key benefits of fiberglass insulation include:

  • Energy Efficient: Helps reduce heating and cooling costs by 40%-50%, but if not installed by a professional, it can lose effectiveness over time
  • Fire Retardant: Poses little to no fire hazard as it is made from recycled glass and sand
  • Noise Dampening: Reduces noise due to it’s a natural sound-dampening properties

Fiberglass insulation also has its downsides, especially if it’s not installed by a professional. Some cons include:

  • Coverage: Standard, pre-cut pieces, or batts, can be difficult to install, especially in oddly-shaped, small, and hard-to-access areas
  • Air Tightness: Often, another type of insulation, like spray foam, is needed to make fiberglass more effective against air leaks
  • Moisture & Mold: Unless a moisture barrier is installed, such as spray foam insulation, fiberglass material can absorb and hold moisture which could lead to mold and mildew problems

The Greenstamp team is happy to discuss your insulation needs to give you the best options for your project and budget. Contact us.

Middleton MA Residential Basement Gets Insulated and More

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The basement of a home in northern MA was insulated by the Green Stamp team! The installers sprayed foam insulation along the exterior walls to create an air and vapor barrier for energy efficient heating and cooling. Sound attenuation insulation was installed through out the mechanical/utility room to deliver noise control in the  stud wall cavities of the interior room partitions. The exposed foam in the utility room was coated with a flame control intumescent coating for added fire-prevention. This job is an example of a complete basement insulation installation.

If your basement is noisy, damp and too hot or cold, contact us! We’ll come to you to inspect the issues in your basement and provide the best possible insulation solution for your budget.

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