While many homeowners worry about the insulation in their walls and attics, or how efficient their window and doors are, many overlook their basement. At first glance it seems like the concrete and earth around it would provide excellent insulation, but concrete walls frequently have an R-value of one or lower. During summer, a non-insulated basement can make it more difficult to cool your home as cool air tends to settle here. Winter is even worse, as the cold ground can absorb a virtually unlimited amount of energy, in some cases 20 percent or more of the heat you use to warm your home. In fact, many building codes now require residential basements to be insulated and it’s included in the ENERGY STAR guidelines for home energy efficiency. So if you have an unfinished basement, it may be time to think about remodeling to both add insulation and make better use of this space.

Depending on where your home is located, it’s recommended that you have an R-value of between R-5 and R-19, though R-10 insulation is protective enough to work for the vast majority of the country. Generally this requires 2-5 inches of fiberglass insulation or rigid insulation panels, which need to be covered with drywall to provide an attractive appearance in your basement. This insulation must also be encapsulated in a vapor barrier to protect against moisture from basement walls. Without these special covers, they will eventually soak through to any drywall covering them and cause significant damage.

As an alternative to traditional insulation and drywall, many companies have developed basement finishing systems that are designed to both withstand damp basement environments while providing reliable insulation. Many of these systems have an R-value above 10, making them suitable for most basement remodeling project and will naturally resist mold or mildew. However, they are often more expensive than traditional building materials and usually require professional installation.

Whichever way you decide to insulate your walls, there are other important factors to consider when you’re looking save energy with your remodeled basement. Sealing air leaks on the above ground portion of your basement and between the basement and main living area of the house is an important step to preventing convection currents that can push air out through your roof. You can also help prevent heat movement through your floors by choosing to install either insulation below your floorboards or using a suspended ceiling with insulated frames and tiles. A final step you can take is having special water-repellent, insulating grout installed below your basement floor. In some cases this may require a professional to drill through your basement floor, so if you choose to take this step be sure to consult with your contractor before any type of flooring is installed.

With these insulating features included in your basement remodeling project, you’ll not only create a new space that you, your friends and your family can enjoy using, but also reduce to cost to heat and cool your home.

Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services. His work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites. http://www.1800basement.com/

Author Bio: Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: basement remodeling